The teenage voice in the state of Michigan could become more powerful if legislation recently introduced passes. The legislation, introduced by Sen. David Knezek (D–Dearborn Heights) and Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D–Ann Arbor) aims to lower the voting age to 16, which, if passed, would make Michigan the first state to expand voting rights to any state-elected office for this age demographic. Senate Bill 1064, Senate Joint Resolution T, House Bill 6183 and House Joint Resolution KK were introduced to provide a larger civic engagement platform for the increasing number of young people who are actively and aggressively participating in the political process.
Students from across the country have come together in person and on social media to advance a variety of causes, yet, while they’ve been outspoken on a number of pressing issues, their electoral voice remains silenced.
“Young people have earned and deserve a voice in our political process,” said Sen. Knezek. “As we’ve seen across the country, a diverse coalition of students have set aside partisan politics in an effort to bring about positive change within our political system. I’ve consistently seen that this generation refuses to let their differences divide them; rather, they celebrate and are proud of all that makes America unique and strong. In a society that is deeply fractured by ignorance and close-mindedness toward others, their voices deserve a vote.”
Full Article: Legislation to decrease voting age introduced – Huron Daily Tribune.