Eighteen, fficially an adult. Under eighteen, not an adult, but they are expected to act like one. Yet, we are not treated as so.
Being a young adult means teenagers must act mature, but yet are limited in freedom.
Teenagers cannot check a tiny box of yes or no for something that could alter their lives. Having something we are truly passionate about and not being able to do anything about it is rough.
Personally, the topic of what we are voting on should alter the age at which we get to vote.
Sixteen-year-olds should not have a say on who the governor is, but they should be able to vote on things that create an aftermath in the future.
It is hard for teenagers to see something they care about or that affects them and not be able to have a say in it. Sitting there without taking action is difficult.
We are asked to support our school during the time of elections for levies. For example, holding up signs outside on the fence line is a common activity for many sports teams. We cannot vote, so it is harder to make a difference.
Students have to sit on the sideline as their lives can be changed by a simple percentage.
“If I could vote, I would,” Charles Mattila said.
Half the time, the voters are people without children who do not want their taxes raised. So, something that affects students and the community is in the hands of people who do not relate to the subject.
However, at the high school age, a certain amount of maturity is needed from students in order to make a decision like voting.
“Boys at sixteen would only vote for the funniest person,” Mattila said.
An issue with the voting age being lowered to sixteen is that some of us are not mature enough at sixteen.
“We do not pay the taxes our parents do, but without the money factor, I would vote,” Jacqueline Gallus said.
It is also beneficial for teens to have a say in their community. The feeling of having control over something we care about can create careers for us.
One of us could be the next president or mayor, but we are not going to find our passion for that if we are not given the chance.
Our life should be filled with more opportunities than we need.
