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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.
I don't mean this as a snarky anti-elder comeback, but if we do this, then shall we do this for the senile as well?
I say nah. Don't forget you can be sent to war at that age. Besides, how many people really vote at 18-21? Enough to make a difference? Perhaps.
Isn't that part of the whole argument of student loan forgiveness. Many 18 year old's lack real world experience to make an informed decision. This point could be argued if there was a draft, but not in times of peace when the military is voluntary.
No...I have always felt that if you can die for your country at 18, then you should be able to purchase alcohol/tobacco and do everything else an adult can do.
I've heard people talk about lowering voting age to 16, and that I would not be for. But it should be left at 18
Isn't that part of the whole argument of student loan forgiveness. Many 18 year old's lack real world experience to make an informed decision. This point could be argued if there was a draft, but not in times of peace when the military is voluntary.
It is, and you can also argue that loans are inherently predatory in nature to some extent, but that's a big argument for another time. Can times of peace not immediately disappear for reasons totally out of your control?
No...I have always felt that if you can die for your country at 18, then you should be able to purchase alcohol/tobacco and do everything else an adult can do.
I've heard people talk about lowering voting age to 16, and that I would not be for. But it should be left at 18
Military enlistment age absolutely should be raised as well.
No -- 18 is old enough to make a decision on voting. Those that do vote at 18 probably have paid attention and have a reason to support one candidate over another.
A person as young as 14 can be tried as an adult in court.
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.
I am fine with doing this as long as we also raise the draft age to 21. The compelling reason given for the voting age being moved down to 18 was the very legitimate argument that you shouldn’t be sent off to die in a war that you aren’t allowed to participate in the election of the people who decided to do it.
Lowering the voting age to 18 was the worst thing this nation did. They should have bumped the draft age up to 21 instead, for a lot of reasons beyond just the voting issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ohioaninsc
No...I have always felt that if you can die for your country at 18, then you should be able to purchase alcohol/tobacco and do everything else an adult can do.
I've heard people talk about lowering voting age to 16, and that I would not be for. But it should be left at 18
This - 100%.
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Military at age 18. At entry level it's more physical brawn than brain. They take orders so they don't have to think for themselves.
Voting at age 21. They need life experience and the ability to think for themselves and make decisions.
Serving in the military is not the same as voting so don't say, "if they can fight, they should be able to vote."
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