HJR 20 Lowers voting age to 16

02/17/2023
VOTE:NO – Died In Committee
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/HJR20
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Committees/HRULES/Overview

This bill proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution lowering voting age from 18 years of age to 16 years of age.

Some findings indicate that 16 and 17-year-old have enough interest in politics that their voting decisions are similar to older voters. However, do they have political maturity? Until a teen gets out into the world with adult responsibilities and consequences, do they really have the maturity to make adult decisions. Our juvenile court system is an indication that the answer is no. Should they be allowed to vote on criminal issues when 90% of children lie and at least it decreases to 60% as adults. Do you want a 16-year-old to vote on how adults will be taxed, and how that money is spent? Schools today are teaching socialism for a give-me mentality without the concept that we pay for redistribution of wealth. Schools are confusing kids on their identity so they don’t even know who they are, which is delaying the maturity factor for many.

Until we get Oregon out of the bottom ranked schools in the nation, we shouldn’t be having this conversation. For the few that are politically savvy, there are volunteer opportunities to be involved in and be a role model to bring along other teens to be informed voters when they reach 18.

Comments
LARRY says:
February 17, 2023 at 6:39 pm Edit
Who in their right mind would think this was a good idea, or even necessary.

2
Reply
PAM says:
February 17, 2023 at 8:14 pm Edit
16 year olds are focused on either sports or a relationship. They do not have a clue about politics. This is a big NO!!!

Reply
PJ says:
February 17, 2023 at 7:06 pm Edit
The only thing 16 yo are interested in is sports or the opposite sex. And speaking of, those going thru transitions of sex or whatever don’t have the brain to make an educated vote. THIS NEEDS TO BE A BIG NO!!!!!!!!!