The voting age should be dropped from 18 years old to 17 – locally and nationwide.

The difference between someone who can vote and one who cannot may be the difference of just a few days. As a 17-year-old student who drives, works, pays taxes and goes to school full time, it is very frustrating that I am denied my constitutional responsibility to make a change in my government.

The voter turnout for young people ages 18 to 25 is extremely low. Voting is being encouraged nationwide to this younger generation, yet 17-year-olds who are excited to get involved in the process behind making a change for and by the people are denied simply because we have not reached our 18th birthday by the voting deadline.

What is the difference between a 17- and an 18-year-old? Both can be seniors in high school, graduate from high school, enlist in the armed forces, drive, work full or part time, become organ donors, be mature or immature, and still only one is allowed to vote.

Those who are just a year younger but more eager to make a change should be allowed to.

– Benjamin Geisen