In a recent development, Vivek Ramaswamy, a fringe Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election, has put forward a proposition to raise the voting age from 18 to 25.
His proposal suggests that individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 should either engage in six months of public service or pass a civics test in order to exercise their voting rights.
But, wait a minute. Almost all male US citizens and male immigrants who are at least 18 are required by law to register with Selective Service – and there’s no civics test or public required for that.
So, when Joe Doe turns 18, he’s old enough to fight and die for his country but shouldn’t be old enough to vote?
Ramaswamy argues that this initiative aims to instill a sense of civic duty among the younger generation. However, it is crucial to examine the constitutional implications and potential consequences of such a proposal. The existing 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution grants the right to vote to citizens aged 18 or older, emphasizing that their voting rights should not be denied or abridged based on age. Therefore, any attempt to alter the voting age would require a constitutional amendment.
Ramaswamy’s suggestion, while aiming to promote civic responsibility, has sparked a debate about its practicality and compatibility with constitutional principles. Proponents argue that engaging in public service or passing a civics test could ensure that young voters possess a certain level of knowledge and maturity before participating in the electoral process. They believe that this requirement would foster a better-informed electorate and encourage active citizenship.
Hey Vivek, instead of targeting young people why not enforce civic testing across the board? I’ve met some 30, 40, and 50-somethings less immature than most people 18 to 25.
Moreover, the notion of linking voting rights to specific criteria, such as public service or passing a civics test, raises concerns about potential discrimination and access to the voting process. It is important to ensure that any requirements for exercising the right to vote are fair, and unbiased, and do not disproportionately impact certain communities.
While Ramaswamy claims to have received positive feedback from members of the immigrant community regarding his proposal, it is crucial to consider a wide range of perspectives and gather public opinion before considering any significant changes to voting laws.
Let’s be clear
The vast majority of voters 18 to 25 lean liberal, and instead of adapting their policies to appeal to younger voters, Republicans are trying to suppress the vote of college students and other young people. This is a worrying trend that threatens the future of democracy in America.
Piggybacking off the above statement, a Pew Research study dated late last year indicated that 77% of Generation Z voters (those born between 1994 and 2012) supported Democratic candidates for Congress, compared to the 21% that opted for Republicans.
In summary, the proposal to raise the voting age to 25, as put forth by Vivek Ramaswamy, has ignited a debate about civic duty and democratic participation. While it aims to promote a more engaged electorate, it also raises constitutional questions and concerns about potential limitations on equal representation. As discussions on this topic continue, it is essential to consider the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and the fundamental democratic right to vote for all eligible citizens.
