Young Voter Apathy
In 1971, the United States passed the twenty-sixth amendment, lowering the national voting age to eighteen. West Virginia representative, Jennings Randolph, who argued that any citizen old enough to fight for their country should be allowed the right to vote, originally introduced this amendment in 1941. In 1959, now Senator Jennings began reintroducing the amendment at every session. When reintroduced in 1971 the political atmosphere of the country had changed. By this time it had become apparent to the younger, unheard citizens that it was time for their voices to be heard. However, since that time, apathy h . . .
They do not feel the need to discuss their own personal views. Because of generational changes, not enough voting knowledge and lack of candidate appeal, that number has declined to 32. Today younger generations have not seen or felt the effects of a draft. The young people who got to vote in the 1972 election knew the importance of their vote. High school government and civics classes teach how the government evolved and the function of the three branches. Therefore, they are not compelled to vote by the threat of war. Many parents often neglect politics. Voter apathy among young Americans is going to continually grow, until there is another change in the political atmosphere affecting the young adults of the country. During the Vietnam War era, many young men were drafted into service for their country. Presidential candidates and young voters are ignoring each other and creating a growing generation of Americans who don’t care about elections. However, it is those same people who are not teaching that importance to the next generations. By doing so, they are alienating the younger population. This lack of attention to young Americans only speeds along the decline in the percentage of young voters The United States’ youth is neglecting their right to vote.
Common topics in this essay:
Vietnam War, Senator Jennings, Jennings Randolph, , West Virginia, political atmosphere, |
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