My criteria for voting at 16 would have been (and was at 20) "who would PO my parents the most?" Not exactly a voteworthy thought process. By 21 I realized that my parents couldn't care less about my vote and so I might have to actually look into politics.
Oh and ESPECIALLY not 16/18 y.o. today versus in the past. While we are at it, let's raise the driving age to 21 too. It's amazing how consistently the Left wants the young to vote. Wonder why?
"Under most laws, young people are recognized as adults at age 18. But emerging science about brain development suggests that most people don't reach full maturity until the age 25."
The Government doesn't think they are smart enough to vote. It was a compromise so they could continue to have draft registration.
Intelligence and understanding have nothing to do with maturity. I have met some 40 years olds who have zero business voting as well.
It has most to do with paying taxes from a full time private sector degreed job. The part time summer jobs don't really bring the tax heat like that first fulltime "good job" paycheck. Have watched many a wet behind the ears person switch parties instantly. It's usually a young friend or coworker I've not discussed politics with at all, and I keep a straight face while laughing inside during the WHAT THE F!?! moment. "What am I getting for this?" "Hmm, I dunno you tell me." <snicker behind hand> "These taxes are too high! I got student loans!" "Do tell." It doesn't affect gov-edu-union-contractor-grantee-trial lawyer-MSM Complex employees nearly as much because they get lots of innate tax deferral towards ridiculous pensions down the road that private sector don't get.
I wonder. I definitely approve of keeping tobacco away from the youth as much as possible, but... A lot of what drives people to smoke is growing up around smokers. Family and peers will drive people to smoke. Still, hopefully this will help.
The average human brain is still developing at 18. The average human brain is finished developing at 21. Alcohol stunts developement of the human brain. Military (in)doctrine(ation) is most easily 'absoarbed' during developement. I support raising minimum age of service to 21, but it aint gonna happen. 18 yos are easier to train. I don't support letting them drink.
I have a daughter. She started University of Florida. She’s 16. I would be fine is she could vote today.
Should everyone who's allowed to vote be allowed to run for President? Or are some age restrictions appropriate?