D#4, HW#3 - Draft WP#1

Writing Project # 1

My topic will be addressing “Voting – an American Right” and the current age requirement. I will research whether or not this right should be extended to include those who have a stake in the future of the nation. Also, I will research whether organizations are demonstrating the ability to affect communities with youth involvement during elections. Should the voting age requirement be lowered in the United States?

The controversy surrounding this issue is whether or not teenagers over the age of 16 are intelligent enough to make well informed decisions. They are allowed to drive at 15, obtain a job at 16 that requires paying taxes, with permission from parents get married at 17 and if convicted of a serious crime be tried as an adult in a court of law. Teenagers with adult responsibilities and expectations should be able allowed to vote like an adult.

I was scared to vote when I turned 18 because I didn’t know how or what I was supposed to do. Unfortunately, I dropped out of high school two years before I was to graduate and possibly missed the opportunity to receive formal training regarding voting and its processes. I felt awkward in asking my family and friends for fear of being viewed as incompetent. Finally in my late 20’s, I gained the courage I needed to ask questions and overcame my fear by realizing numerous people died to ensure I had the freedom and right to vote. Had I learned voting wasn’t as complicated as I thought it was earlier, I could have affected changes regarding important issues throughout my life. This experience has led to my desire to learn what I can about voting and to determine if education reform regarding voting and how it’s taught is needed.

The purpose of researching this issue is to educate and inform voters of America that teenagers have the capacity to better the nation’s democracy. Youth in America are smarter than they are given credit for. All Americans over the age of 16 will be my targeted audience as this will affect each of them. Those who can vote now and those who will be able to vote in near the future. Teens need to know their “voice” counts because the decisions made today will affect them tomorrow. Adults need to understand that teenagers are smarter now because of technological advances and we all should take advantage of that when educating our youth.

The limitation of not being able to conduct extensive research regarding how this issue could affect the up and coming electoral session 2008 is discouraging. The opportunity for legislation to be changed is promising with this research. The challenge of representing millions with only a few words is daunting.