Students
showed their voluntary participation in the protests and criticism as much as
adults, in the Choi Sun-Sil administration and the president’s impeachment demonstration. Although the future
generations need to recognize as a prospective democratic citizen and a member
of society, the law and systems are not backed up, which is preventing the
participation of non-voting students in politics.
Therefore the
voting age should be lowered to 18 as followed three reasons.
Frist,
Generate Greater interest.
Ensuring that
young people can vote at 18 years of age will generate interest and a greater
awareness of politics at an earlier age. Political awareness at a younger age
may lead to more political involvement and a greater connection between young
people’s involvement in a variety of political forums such as student councils
and students’ union activism.
Second, promote
political participation.
It will serve
as a kick-start in the promotion of politics to young people and young people’s
participation, awareness of political issues affecting them. It is true
that young people learn about democracy and active citizenship in school and in
youth groups, however the way to learn is just theory. Likewise giving young
people the vote at 18 allows them to practice what they learn. Voter
participation needs to be encouraged and supported. It serves to foster a
greater political consciousness amongst young people.
Third, Young
people are informed
Unlike
previous generations, young people are much more informed, they for example
undertake courses at school such as the Civil, Social and Political Education
course. Unlike previous generations who may only have had access to local and
national media. Young people today have access to the web where they can get
information and engage in discussions on a wide range of issues and politics.
