In order to get more people involved in the election process have a youth election concurrent with the normal adult election. The voting forms would be identical, but they would be counted separately and announced separately (and secondly). This would make it possible for public schools to become more involved in the discourse on elections. Teens could then (by freewill) register at school (and often times vote at the school). When they come of age, they would remain registered. This would give the youth a voice at the same time the electoral process would still be firmly in adult control.
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
In such a scenario, who would they be voting for? If one of their contemporaries, I would say "Interesting idea", but if for the same candidates that "legal" voting age votes for, I say think about this: This indepth polling information of up and coming voters would be expoloited by the currennt "bi-partisan" juggernaut to study and start shaping (basically focussing / narrowing) the opinions of even younger segments of the population, further polarizing our ever more politicized lifestyles.
It would introduce electioneering into our schools and deepen "bipartisan" division.
I'm not against the education of the process. There are plenty of past elections to study, but the actual recording (and publishing) of student votes I view as a bad idea, and the casting of votes for non-youth candidates seems like a really bad idea.
The problem that this idea is hoping to solve is that during the time most are educated about the civil system is the same time that most don't have a reason to care about that civil system, as they have zero input. The time that most do obtain this abillity to input, is the same time when most lose touch with any structure which would educate them and ultimately bring them to the polls.
I'd accept such a proposal as an excercise in, as said, education of the civil system.
Any such election would not be counted or reported with the regular election. Any results would exclusively be shared amongst the participants of the excercise.
The results would be counted, but separately. They would not be included in the adult election. They would be reported, so that while the youth could not change outcomes, they could show the trends of future voters. For example, if the issue of downloaded music becomes a major factor for youth voters, then four to eight years down the road, politicians would have a better feel for the views of their, now voting age, voters.
My first comment: a great idea!
My second comment: in answer to comments concerned about the protection of our youth, I can only point out that over 40% of all marketing dollars spent in the USA are spent by corporations bent on persuading them. They are certainly not safe, therefore, from the exploitation and manipulation of preceeding generations.
I think that this idea could be well implemented with heavy rules and governance - much like our grown up elections.
What this idea would do is bring IDEALISM into the electoral process - a concept that, Post-JFK, has been smothered from the voting populace.
Teens would vote for the environment and FIND A WAY to make it work. Teens would vote for equal rights and FIND A WAY to make it fair. Teens would vote for massive educational reform and FIND A WAY to make it fair.