In an effort to get more young people involved in the democratic process, many states are attempting lowering the voting age to 17 to get young people active. “A lot of young people last year wanted to make their voices heard but were unable to do so because the rules prevented them,” said Jonathan Brater of the Brennan Center for Democracy. Since 1971, the legal voting age in the United States has been 18, lowered from 21. Today like then, the numerous states across the U.S are attempting to lower the voting age in the General Election to 17 tend to have strong Democratic majorities in their State senators and House legislatures. Among them, California, Minnesota, and Nevada are the most prominent states in this effort, with California leading the way. If constitutional amendment 10 passes in California, 17-year old’s, would be allowed to vote in the general election during a Presidential election.
In California, the Democrats own a super majority in the House and the Senate and own the Governor’s House, while in Minnesota the Democrats own the Governor’s mansion and Republicans have control of the Senate and House. In Nevada, the Democrats own a majority in the State assembly and the state senate, but Republicans have control over the Governorship.
Democrats have been generally in favor of lowering the voting age, as it tends to help them. Republicans broadly oppose the change. A majority of polls have shown that high school age kids are in favor of Democratic policies.
Full Article: California Leading the Way to Lower Voting Age to 17.