Youth Noise and News
by Kaitlyn Blair

All those in favour of young people over the age of 16 being able to vote in municipal elections say 'aye.'

Everyone should be able to voice their own opinions - so why can't youth vote for the leaders of their town? It is an age-old debate, which has seen little change in many years.

Last Thursday, the Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce held an all candidates meeting in the school café at Nantyr Shores Secondary School. It was very well attended and all the candidates spoke about our town and the ways that they plan to improve it. With a question period and a meet and greet with the candidates afterwards, the event was a great success. Along with adult voters, many young people showed interest in the meeting and asked questions of many of the candidates. Many young people have a strong interest in politics, and some pay even more attention than eligible voters. A lot of people see teenagers as irresponsible and feel that when given the right to vote, would abuse the privilege. Not all young people are irresponsible and self-absorbed.

Not every young person spends their time on the side of the road doing drugs or drinking. Not every teenager spends time ripping down candidate's signs. In fact the people who actually care about what happens in their town (even just a little bit) far out-number than those who don't.

Youth have strong opinions and since they live here and see our town at its roots, they are very knowledgeable about its strengths and its weaknesses. In this town, however, youth are permitted only a very quiet voice. Many years ago, the voting age was 21. People worked tirelessly to change that voting age, because they believed that people younger than 21 had something positive to contribute. Well, folks, once again, this is something for us to consider.

Changes in our education, our community and the world-atlarge, make it necessary to re-examine the voting age. As in the past, young people are more aware than our predecessors about our world and the political process.

Yes, there are organizations and places for youth to speak about their concerns and opinions but this opportunity isn't given nearly often enough at the level where it can make the most difference.

Young people make up a large part of this town's population and they need to be heard in order for any real change to occur. The only way that this town can provide the things that young people want and need is to allow them the chance to work in a cooperative and coordinated partnership with their municipal government.

By allowing youth age 16 and over to vote you are helping the voice of young people to be heard and positive change to occur. It's a large step, but I think a step toward an improved future for our town. I realize we can change anything for the municipal election this year, but let's work toward making this change in time for November, 2010.