As the battle of positions, voting, and whether or not adolescents and young adults are ready to vote has flooded the nation, voters get into gear for a fight to the future. Throughout the years, especially now during times when everyone’s life has been turned upside down, the question of whether or not youngsters are choosing to vote and if they are ready.
A survey was conducted on whether students ages 16-18 have the proper education and mindset for voting. Out of the total number of students surveyed, 67% strongly felt that either everyone or the majority of teens are not exceptionally equipped to vote. Current Bella Vista student Hayden Newman states, “I really don’t think that kids are well equipped because they are easily influenced by their peers, and frequently believe things that they see. This is bad because the media doesn’t convey everything correctly” (Junior, 16). A wide variety of other students concur with Hayden’s thoughts, for the media does in fact provide a strongly influenced viewpoint that may veer away from the truth, easily affecting adolescent’s views on politics. Adding to this idea, yet another BV student provides their influential beliefs by declaring, “No I do not think kids, in general, are at all well equipped to vote. They have not experienced enough to truly shape their moral values nor have they had enough experience in life in general in terms of politics. You don’t see 14-year-olds having a political conversation” (anonymous, Junior, 16). Being more than half-way done with their high school career, this student has yet to experience the proper education that they believe will guide them in making well thought out political decisions. Where will these students stand when it comes to their legal voting age? Will they be encouraged to vote even if they are not confident in their knowledge of the topic?
While more than half of the surveyed teens find that teens as a whole are not well equipped to vote, 33% of them either pursue the fact that adolescents are, indeed, prepared to vote, or they are on the verge of being ready. A junior at Bella Vista high school expresses her awareness of current topics, prompting her to vote.
“I have educated myself about politics and human rights that have been an issue in the past, present, and possible future if there’s no change…” (Kathleen Huynh, 16).
Voting is not as light of a topic as many people think, and Kathleen expresses her understanding of that and its importance to remain properly educated whether you need to do it independently or not. A great number of teens stated that 18-years-old is an acceptable age to legally vote.
One thing the survey respondents predominantly agreed on was their desire and drive to vote once they reach 18. In fact, they all admitted that voting is a critical act as a resident in the United States. Voting gives an almost omnipotent feeling. “I think I will vote, and it is important because it is our right that we are granted and we should make use of it” (Abby Stachniuk, Junior, 16). Adding to the concept of fighting for rights, Gabriella Muzquiz defends her decision to vote by stating, “... not only did women fight for our right to vote - and succeed - but you could be giving the world and people a better future” (Senior, 17). These two strongly defend their rights to vote, for they have been fought for and earned. In their opinion, and the opinion of many, not voting is an injustice to those who worked to grant us our rights. Bella Vista class of 2020 graduate, Cecily Momeyer offers the idea that “if you want to have political views and voice your opinions on the subjects that matter, then you should exercise your right to vote, especially now” (Graduate, 18). As a registered voter, Ms. Momeyer recognizes her role as a voter and continues to stress the importance of voting. Above high school students, the thought of whether or not teens are ready to vote boggles the mind of many politically experienced adults. Eighteen years old is the ideal age to vote for many in that they believe the title as a legal adult comes with a contemporary and improved level of maturity and understanding.
All in all, the looming question of whether or not teens are ready to vote continues to hover over the heads of residents of the United States. Opinions on voting have fluctuated throughout the years and continue to change as new propositions are made, and the effects of being in a global pandemic. People arguing that young adults are not prepared to vote also have reason to believe that the topic should be briefly taught to assure well-adapted voters in the field. Are people ready to vote?