It's an apathetic year. Many Americans (including some progressives) don't feel like going to the polls. But there are millions of Americans who want to perform their civic duty, who want to make their voices heard, but are arbitrarily denied this most precious right. No matter how committed they are, no matter how well informed they are, no matter how enthusiastic they are, they will be uniformly turned away from the voting booth.
I'm talking about the millions of high-school aged Americans who are denied the right to vote simply because they are under the age of 18.
But these Americans aren't just taking their denial. They continue to fight for a right so many "adult" Americans take for granted!
(videos and poll below the fold)
In the last few years, young Americans of all political persuasions have united behind a common goal: winning the right to vote! Whether east or west, north or south, these Americans aren't waiting for the world to change, they are making it change! Some examples are below.
By the way, if you want to help in the effort to lower the voting age, go to the National Youth Rights Association to learn more!
Florida
High school students produced their own professional-quality commercial to lower the voting age. This ad became the FIRST tv commercial to lower the voting age ever to air on television (it appeared on DC cable tv)
Also, see a news report on the students' efforts
New York
A junior-high youth rights organization pushes to lower the voting age to 15, and receives television news coverage.
Elsewhere
Watch various American teens speak out in favor of a lower voting age!
But it's not just happening in America! Young people continue to struggle worldwide for this right so many adults take for granted, and even refuse to exercise. Check out these videos from-
United Kingdom
Ireland
Australia
Please vote in the poll, comment on this issue and get involved in the movement to give youth a meaningful voice in their own society!