D.C., may allow 16-year-olds to vote for president

[Dr. Who]

I have no issues with this.

I'm not sure that I could get behind that notion, although when I was 16, I would have agreed wholeheartedly. The issue that I have is that most 16-year-olds have never held a full-time job, paid taxes or have had had to support themselves, which often puts a different complexion on one's political opinion, at least to a degree. I could support a half vote for 16 and 17-year-olds, which would recognize their stake in politics but also recognize their lack of real-world experience.

[Tahuyaman]

I have no issues with this.

The US constitution is quite clear. It states someone must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to vote. Period.

[Tahuyaman]

I'm not sure that I could get behind that notion, although when I was 16, I would have agreed wholeheartedly. The issue that I have is that most 16-year-olds have never held a full-time job, paid taxes or have had had to support themselves, which often puts a different complexion on one's political opinion, at least to a degree. I could support a half vote for 16 and 17-year-olds, which would recognize their stake in politics but also recognize their lack of real-world experience.

Then lobby our legislators to craft a constitutional amendment to allow that.

[Dr. Who]

Then lobby our legislators to craft a constitutional amendment to allow that.

I'm not the one suggesting changes - that's up to D.C. I'm not pushing this, just commenting.

[Tahuyaman]

I'm not the one suggesting changes - that's up to D.C. I'm not pushing this, just commenting.

I was referring to your stated support of a "half vote" for 16 and 17 year olds. That would require a repeal and replace of an existing constitutional amendment.

[Dr. Who]

I was referring to your stated support of a "half vote" for 16 and 17 year olds. That would require a repeal and replace of an existing constitutional amendment.

I realize that, but if anyone asked me, a half vote would be my response, for the stated reasons.

[William]

Umm - I think people here are being too negative about 16 year olds.

[Green Arrow]

The US constitution is quite clear. It states someone must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to vote. Period.

I’m aware of what the constitution says, thanks.

[Newpublius]

The US constitution is quite clear. It states someone must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to vote. Period.

I don't think it quite says that. It says you cannot discriminate against those 18 years or older on account of age, which means CAN discriminate based on a lower age....but they don't HAVE to.

[Tahuyaman]

Umm - I think people here are being too negative about 16 year olds.

Most 16 year old kids don't have the experience to develop a firm understanding of the issues addressed by presidential candidates. Most 18 year olds are marginally better informed.


Many adults can't even tell you who the VP of the United States is. I've seen young adults, college students, say that WWII was a war between the United States and Mexico or Canada.


We don't need to dumb down the voting pool any further.