OPINION
BY WILL GALLOWAY, Sophomore
Across South Carolina, 16 and 17 year olds live, work, and pay taxes. We are also set to inherit a burdensome national debt, a stagnant economy, and a globally competitive workplace. We have a stake in the game just as much as any 18 or 19 year old; yet have no means to influence the political process.
I, along with countless other South Carolinians, believe that 16 and 17 year olds should be permitted to vote in the elections that affect them the most, municipal and school board elections.
This would also serve to hold our politicians accountable. Nearly every campaign from school board to senate uses 16 and 17 year olds as volunteers, but on Election Day, they are completely devoid of representation at the polls. Every time we watch the news, we are reminded that politicians need to be held accountable to the people, and this measure would introduce another layer of accountability.
By allowing people to vote earlier, we encourage better civic engagement later in life. If a voter begins making educated decisions at 16 or 17, he or she will be more likely to continue being engaged and informed later on.
Those opposed to this measure tend to fall into two camps: those who believe 16 and 17 year olds are not capable of making important political decisions, and those who believe that it is simply a ploy to add more democratic voters to the rolls.
To the first category, I would say that our generation is more informed than any other. We follow elections in real time on Twitter and other social media, and we know that the outcome will be something we have to live with for much longer than any other voting block. The state considers us mature enough to drive, work, and pay taxes, and it should consider us mature enough to vote.
To the second, we do not tend to fit neatly into either party. I am a conservative, I supported Rick Santorum’s presidential campaign and am the current vice chairman of the South Carolina Teenage Republicans. By engaging in a strong civic debate, the entire democratic process benefits.
If you agree that 16 and 17 year olds are capable of making political decisions, we ask that you sign this petition:https://www.change.
