The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian

The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian

The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian

Newsletter Signup

Get our news delivered straight to your inbox every week.

* indicates required

Opinion: Too young to vote? Who cares?

Lindsay Bookout

Lindsay BookoutWith 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.

Leave a Comment
Donate to The Appalachian
$1371
$5000
Contributed
Our Goal

We hope you appreciate this article! Before you move on, our student staff wanted to ask if you would consider supporting The Appalachian's award-winning journalism. We are celebrating our 90th anniversary of The Appalachian in 2024!

We receive funding from the university, which helps us to compensate our students for the work they do for The Appalachian. However, the bulk of our operational expenses — from printing and website hosting to training and entering our work into competitions — is dependent upon advertising revenue and donations. We cannot exist without the financial and educational support of our fellow departments on campus, our local and regional businesses, and donations of money and time from alumni, parents, subscribers and friends.

Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest, both on campus and within the community. From anywhere in the world, readers can access our paywall-free journalism, through our website, through our email newsletter, and through our social media channels. Our supporters help to keep us editorially independent, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone.

If you can, please consider supporting us with a financial gift from $10. We appreciate your consideration and support of student journalism at Appalachian State University. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, or if you would prefer to make a recurring monthly gift, please give to The Appalachian Student News Fund through the university here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1727/cg20/form.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=392&cid=1011&dids=418.15&bledit=1&sort=1.

Donate to The Appalachian
$1371
$5000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The Appalachian Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *