Opinion: Too young to vote? Who cares?

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Created on Monday, 22 October 2012 05:23

Lindsay Bookout

With the presidential election coming up, we have all seen the Facebook posts and the tweets concerning who the better candidate is -- you might even be the guilty ones posting or tweeting.

But as of late, I have noticed a new type of tweets being posted. Ones that read "In my book, if you don't vote then you don't have the right to complain."

This tweet is the epitome of ignorance. I couldn't refrain from replying by saying, "I don't know you, but I have to say that every single citizen, regardless of age, is a part of this country."

It seemed to me the person wants people to remain ignorant on the issues of their country, some of which could be affecting these underage citizens who can not vote until they're of age.

Every citizen, regardless of age, should keep himself or herself knowledgeable on any and every issue that concerns the United States because this is our country -- this is where we live, so everything affects everyone.

Besides, does it really make sense to remain ignorant on the issues until you're of legal age to vote and then you suddenly have less than a year to learn everything about politics before an upcoming election?

No, that actually makes no sense.

I think it's great that younger teenagers have such strong opinions on the issues that our country is facing. It shows that they are interested in learning how our country can be made better and that they can think for themselves.

Sometimes when I look at the generation below mine, I'm scared for the future. But then issues like this come up, and I'm not so scared anymore.

I do not care if you can't vote. Whether the reason is your age, your lack of citizenship, or what have you, if you want to remain knowledgeable on our country's future, the last thing I want to do is stand in your way.

If you want to educate yourself, please, be my guest.

 

Bookout, a sophomore English and French major from Charlotte, is a news reporter.