Since the start of fall, students at McClatchy have been seeing posters, icons, billboards, and headlines all flashing one bright, critical word: VOTE.
The fact that most students at McClatchy couldn’t vote in the midterm elections didn’t change the level of passion teenagers felt about some of the proposals. While this year’s ballot didn’t show any measures that would directly affect the 14 to 18-year-old demographic, one proposed measure for the 2020 presidential elections could have an impact on McClatchy’s young people.
The measure to allow 16-year-olds to vote was reintroduced this year by U.S Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) after the bill, proposed by Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), was shot down in 2015. The bill would have resulted in legislation that allowed minors to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
A poll was taken on Twitter asking McClatchy’s student body whether or not those who will be 16 in 2020 should be allowed to partake in the presidential election. The results were even; of the 12 people that voted, half of those said yes, and the other half said no.
Those that supported the measure were eager to be able to use their voice and change the nation’s future in a few short years.
“Yes, absolutely,” said Michael Alongi (‘21), who spoke up about the rights of the LGBTQ community, with which he identifies. “I want to be able to vote in the next presidential election, to protect my rights and the rights of the people I care about.”
Nick Fleming (20’) offered that “There is a similar mindset between 16 and 18.”
With the students that supported seeing the measure pass, there seems to be a common trend of bringing up that there aren’t many disparities between the mentality of a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old that would prevent a young teen from making a poignant decision that decides their future. They argue both ages are enthusiastic and committed enough to change that both are capable and deserving of the responsibility.
Most of the uncertainty towards the measure came from students who chose to be more realistic about the big picture. There were blatant laughs of disbelief from these 16 and 17-year-olds at the thought of McClatchy’s youngest being able to vote. Most students used their judgement of foolish student behavior at McClatchy as justification of their vote. One student simply said, “Have you seen high schoolers?”
But some students took it to an individual level, and reflected on their personal preparedness. “No, I’ve been 16 for a year and I don’t think I would have been ready to vote,” said Brennan Rivas (‘20).
Of course, whether or not the younger generation will be able to partake in the 2020 elections is up to the people. There are plenty of arguments that can be made advocating both choices, but for those students anticipating change, they will have to wait to see if the outcome was a result of a bold irresponsibility or a hopeful expectation.