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Voting rights would motivate teens

Re: “Teenage brains are not ready to vote,” letter, Feb. 17. Referring to the fact that teenage brains have not yet developed enough to make rational and well-thought-out decisions is degrading and insulting to the youth of today.

Re: “Teenage brains are not ready to vote,” letter, Feb. 17.

Referring to the fact that teenage brains have not yet developed enough to make rational and well-thought-out decisions is degrading and insulting to the youth of today.

Although there is always the exception to the rule, today our youth are exposed to more information and knowledge than ever before, and are quite capable of making sound decisions based on this information should they choose to make the effort. Even though an adult’s brain might be fully developed, we can all agree that many adults do not choose to take advantage of this state of mind, choose not to make the effort or simply do not vote.

Should those at age 16 be given the chance to vote, it might inspire them to become more informed about politics. If they have the vote, it is worth their time to become more knowledgeable and involved, as their vote will count toward something. They will have the ability to effect change, change that will directly affect their future.

There are countless stories and examples of youth who are intelligent, well-informed, resourceful and innovative. It does an injustice to paint all youth as ruled by hormones, just as it is wrong to assume all adults are rational and knowledgeable because their brains are fully developed.

Caroline Clarke

Victoria