Should the voting age be raised?

[DexWest]

I say raise the voting age to 25 cause that’s when the brain quits developing, unless you’re enlisted. Then you can vote at 18. If you’re old enough to die for the country, you’re old enough to vote.

[provokeesmokee]

Nah.

18 is old enough to drink where I live. It's old enough to own a gun in a lot of places in America, too.

There's more value out of a younger voter, anyways.

Their vote at 18 is relatively more long-term than one of an aging voter closer to death - the 18yo focus is for the future and they would be mindful of the consequences.

Whereas an older voter (say 75 ) is not only in mental decline, but their interests are limited to the immediate future. They aren't concerned with long term consequences because they'll be dead before they need to deal with it.

And most young people will vote with the interests of the old at heart anyways, voting for strong social programs, because they know they'll be responsible for those elderly when they retire.

[Karen444]

Absolutely. I saw a clip of a reporter on a college campus, and most had no clue who the vice president was. Some thought it was Oprah.

[Lliam]

No, the majority of people are brainwashed morons at any age. And I know some 17 year olds who are extremely smart and informed. So I think it should remain the same.

And how does being in the military qualify someone as being bright or informed?

[DexWest]

If you’re old enough to be drafted and die for your country, you should be allowed to vote

[Lliam]

Anyone over 18 is apparently old enough.

[DexWest]

Not everyone enlists though

[Lliam]

That might mean that they are smart.

[NaultD]

If anything it should be lowered. Military academy age is younger then 15. Your education from here on out is to die for your country. They should have a vote where they should die for their country.

[Sun_Kim-Ai]

I got elected to political office before I was 25, so I'd say no. However, I'm in favor for withdrawing voting rights to people who have outstanding debts or previous convictions.

[Anonymous]

Please tell me you don't vote.

[DexWest]

I’ve voted in every election. It’s my civic duty. I even voted while deployed.

[msc545]

No. If you can exlist at 18, you should be able to vote at 18, brain development notwithstanding. It is ver illegal to tie voting to service membership.

[mommymommymommy]

No, if anything it should be lowered

[OddBeMe]

I’d say lowered to 16.

[Anonymous]

Noooooo.