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If you're going to raise the age to 21 then all adulthood responsibilities should be pushed back. I never thought it was fair when I was that age that you could be arrested or drafted into the military among other "Penalties" for being an adult but many of the perks where withheld until you were 21.
I think there is a "never trust anyone under 30" attitude. I think this could be why some people want the penalties of adulthood to come first, but the perks are withheld until later.
Whatever the answer, the age to do various things need to be consistent. It's insane that you can join the military at 18, but not buy cigarettes or drink until 21 in many places.
.. or rent a car or many hotels until your mid 20s.
Should the voting age be raised to 21? Cannot purchase alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana until 21 (depending on state), gamble at a casino, book a hotel room (state pending), go to a nightclub, pilots license, concealed weapons license, drive for rideshare, plus many more and now discussion about guns.
Its obvious, we as a society, have determined that 18-20 year old's lack the mental capacity to make correct decisions.
Only if we also raise the minimum military service age.
It is INCREDIBLY UNFAIR to send people to war who can't vote.
it once was 21...and with todays universal lack of education....eeek.
There are a whole host of problems with it, but you can also make the case to get a voting 'license' - completion of some quiz that demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of our civics...or at least re-establish schoolhouse rock...
All of those milestones should apply at the same age, be it 18 or 21 or anywhere in between. No reason we couldn't split the difference and set the age to 19 or 20 even.
.. or rent a car or many hotels until your mid 20s.
Because private businesses have to manage risk, whereas the government happily takes on risks because they can just cover the negative consequences with taxpayer money.
Bottom line: The ability to think rationally (judgement) isn't fully developed in most people until their mid twenties. It's why businesses - and in some cases, the government -restrict the kinds of decisions young people can make. The student loan "crisis" is a perfect recent example of poor decision making. This isn't too say that all young people make poor decisions or that all older people make good decisions, but risk management is based on probabilities - and the probability of young people making ill advised decisions is much higher than other age groups. Throw in the lack of life experience, and allowing youngsters to make important decisions is a recipe for disaster. They shouldn't vote, nor should they be allowed to make a commitment for a collateral-free loan for tens of thousands of dollars, among other things.
Because private businesses have to manage risk, whereas the government happily takes on risks because they can just cover the negative consequences with taxpayer money.
Bottom line: The ability to think rationally (judgement) isn't fully developed in most people until their mid twenties. It's why businesses - and in some cases, the government -restrict the kinds of decisions young people can make. The student loan "crisis" is a perfect recent example of poor decision making. This isn't too say that all young people make poor decisions or that all older people make good decisions, but risk management is based on probabilities - and the probability of young people making ill advised decisions is much higher than other age groups. Throw in the lack of life experience, and allowing youngsters to make important decisions is a recipe for disaster. They shouldn't vote, nor should they be allowed to make a commitment for a collateral-free loan for tens of thousands of dollars, among other things.
Nor should they be allowed to join the military. Talk about making an important decision!
I think that should be a given. At least see no action until 21. Can’t drive a rig because mind is not prepared for it - but ok to go kill or see massive death and destruction. Btw I think all capable should serve in one capacity or another - least get the training. Women n men both.
To those of you who think the voting age should be raised to 21, answer this: How many of you actually voted before you turned 21?
Me! I have participated in every election in which I was eligible to vote. My kids have, too.
I think 18 is a perfect age to begin voting. At that age, young people have completed their compulsory education, most have or are working and paying taxes, and they can serve in the military.
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