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Motion expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County, Urging the General Assembly to promote the participation of our youth in the political process by undertaking a review to determine whether the voting age in Pennsylvania should be lowered with a goal of making the voting age consistent with other ages of access and eligibility for rights and responsibilities within the Commonwealth; and, further, urging Congress to consider the same.
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WHEREAS, it is the belief of this Council that the sooner young people become involved in the political process, the more likely they are to remain a part of the process and participate through voting and civic service to the community and Commonwealth. The earlier in life a habit is formed, the more likely that habit will continue throughout life;
WHEREAS, numerous states are considering similar actions in efforts to improve the participation of youth in government, including Maine, Texas, California, Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota and Hawaii. Municipalities, too, are ensuring that the energy and passion that is evidenced in the lives of youth has the ability to be transferred to the political process. Anchorage, Alaska, New York, New York and Cambridge, Massachusetts are just a few recognizing the youth vote. Youth have a unique experience, based on their individual circumstances, that is not currently translated to government;
WHEREAS, at the age of seventeen, our young men and young women are able to enlist in the Armed Services with their parents' consent and could be sent to war and asked to put their lives on the line without ever having a voice in electing the leaders who make the decision to send them. Providing the right to vote at a lower age is a way to ensure that the person has a root in the community, has an appreciation for local issues and will be more concerned about voting. It can also encourage voting with a parent which, in turn, further affects voter turnout;
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