This year is an election year and of course since its 2020 its a crazy election year. There is protesting, arguing, rioting, the possible of election tampering, and the whole country is divided. People are waiting in long lines getting ready to use their voice and rights of being a citizen of the United States. 

There has always been controversy and discussions about voting rights and rules. One of the more popular arguments that are made for voting requirements is age. My question would be is 18 the right age or should we lower it? Some people believe that 16-17 year olds should be able to vote due to the fact that they are able to get a job and drive at that age. Others argue that 16 year olds are way too immature and shouldn’t be able to vote. They believe that due to not having a degree and not being able to serve in the military is a good reason for them not to vote.  Some citizens even think that 18 year olds are too young to vote, some think that at that age you aren’t educated enough and are just influenced by what social media says. 

The voting requirements and rights have definitely expanded over the years, like letting women, and other races vote not just caucasian people. Throughout our history, the voting age in the United States was 21 for a while. The voting age has lowered since then from protesting. It is possible to use your voice and change the voting age.

I interviewed two teachers at Hillcrest High School, asking them what a good age is to vote and why. Mr. Perry stated that due to being able to be emancipated at 16 years old and being able to get a job, that the voting age should be lowered due to those circumstances. Ms. Hostert has a different opinion, she believes that even 18 might be too young. She thinks that  their vote might be strongly influenced by their parents or social media instead of doing their own research.

I believe that both teachers had good reasoning for their opinion. I go back and forth on this topic. I strongly agree that 16-17 year olds are strongly influenced by social media but it’s no different for adults all the way up to boomers to be equally influenced by news/social media. Everyone should educate themselves and do their own research. Here are my thoughts, not all 16-17 year olds should vote only the ones that have passed a civics test and has a gpa of 2.5 or higher. In my opinion this shows that have met these requirements proves responsibility and that they are willing to be educated.