Tuesday, March 09, 2004

Give junior a ballot

I think allowing kids the ability to vote is a great idea, but it should be qualified in ways other than just age. Why not give them a half vote if they pay any significant income taxes, and a full vote if they drive? Aside from entering the military and being able to legally drink, what is the difference between a responsible, tax paying, driving 16 year old and an 18 year old who votes? I cannot see a meaningful one. Are kids fickle? Probably. Are they irresponsible voters? Probably some of them. That doesn't make them any different than most adult voters.

230 years ago a handful of us got bent out of shape over, among other things, being taxed without any represetation. I don't see how this is any different of an issue. Perhaps our public schooling problems wouldn't be as dire as they are if we would allow students the ability to vote.

Ideas?

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