D#11, HW#2 - Posted reply to D#10, HW#2

Writing Project # 3 Revision 3

Lower the Voting Age in Arizona

There have been several attempts across the nation to lower the voting age in America, including the state of Arizona. The controversy surrounding the issue to lower the voting age is whether or not teenagers, over the age of 16, are mature enough to make well informed decisions. They are allowed to drive vehicles at the age of 15 – that requires constant 'good' decision making; obtain a job at the age of 16 – which requires paying taxes; receive permission from parents to get married at the age of 17 – that requires demonstration of adult responsibility and if convicted of a serious crime be tried as an adult in a court of law prior to turning the age of 18. A few reasons why the state of Arizona should reconsider lowering the voting age to 16 is educational opportunities, increase in voter turnout rates, and stronger communities.

Through further educational exposure or experience, some politicians and organizations have assisted youths on their quest to lower the voting age and receiving education they may otherwise not have had the opportunity. She gave two high school students an opportunity to experience first hand what’s required in getting voters to the polls. Another example, Sen. John Vasconcellos, surrounded by teenage supporters, introduced the concept of lowering the voting age to 14 in California during a news conference, supplying an educational exposure to the legislation process.

These two groups promote awareness, education and information on how to be a better citizen by becoming involved in civics.

Additionally, as politicians and organizations promote awareness with voting and actively participating within communities, there are even more educational opportunities that the state of Arizona could take advantage of. One of these beneficial opportunities is to promote further education for students to begin creating a ‘good’ habit – voting. Engaging students while they are in the “still learning” process will initiate a habit that can be nurtured. Preparing teenagers is less challenging than trying to connect with most 18 year olds, who may be more focused on graduating, starting college and possibly moving away from home. This could also be one of the main causes that voter turnout for the age group 18-24 has been very low. Establishing an early voting habit could potentially lead to voting consistency, thereby, increasing voter turnout. Another beneficial opportunity is encouraging parents to discuss politics with students who participate in the Kids Voting USA program. Students learn civics in school and then continue learning by discussing what they’ve been taught at home with parents. Therefore, the voter turnout rate would increase as parents become more responsive and motivated to act upon their civic duty to vote.

Recently, joining these countries in lowering their voting age to 16 is Austria; which is acknowledged with understanding regarding teenager responsibility in a letter written to NYRA.

However, for the past two elections, this pattern was disrupted with an increase from 22 percent to 25 percent. In Arizona, this trend ranged from 21 percent in 1994, dipping to 14 percent in 2002, than increased to 23 percent in 2006. Can you imagine what this figure would be if teenagers age 16 to 17 were allowed to vote? How many more parents would be responsive and motivated to vote? Youth voting turnout is on the rise in Arizona, opening further opportunities to increase this percentage for the upcoming elections by focusing on today’s youth.

Today’s teenagers are actively participating in and strengthening their communities by showing what they are capable of. These teenagers will also be able to assist their communities ‘hands on’ at the polling booths. Additionally, students in California are lobbying to ensure high schools are not penalized on election days when students volunteer to work at the polling booths. California currently charges schools $35 per student that is absent per day. Teenagers are not only aware of what’s happening in their communities; they are also taking steps to improve them.

Many teenagers of America are serious about lowering the voting age. They have taken steps to lobby Councilwomen and Senators to introduce bills in several states, organized exhibits and assist at the election polls. Admittedly, there is skepticism that teenagers are not ready and legislation has proven difficult to pass for lowering the voting age. However, in the state of Arizona legislatures have the ability to enable Arizona and its communities to become the first state to lower the voting age in America. Teachers have the opportunity to engage Arizona’s youth by promoting further educational standards within our schools and help bridge the gap between youth and politicians. The communities of Arizona would strengthen with legislation that allows families to truly encourage the youth to be more active with civic participation. Arizona should lower the voting age and become the first state of America to advocate democracy for all. The voting age in Arizona should be lowered from 18 to 16 because youths have better opportunities to learn about voting, establish early voting habit(s) increasing voter turnout and strengthen the communities they live in.