Growing up, we somehow learn to resent being bossed about. We thrive to rebel. So, how come we are now taught to sit back and just accept? Because, in reality, we are the ones who are affected the most. This is our future.

A large amount of youths today are upset over how their voices are never heard. This is encompassed by a number of other issues. Why is it that young people cannot vote for the life they are stepping into? Especially after the news two days ago, we are now more aware of this exploitation. This is serious. 

Currently, a lot of people face years of unemployment with only schemes with temporary work. By closing community facilities which helped troubled teens (keeping them off the streets and out of turmoils), the problem gets worse. Even more people look down on younger people.  But we are capable. We are educated and opinionated. 

Politicians, teachers, parents, and the community all may want to help us with our future, but their experience of being a young person is far out-dated to ours. Our problems will not be the same as theirs so are completely disregarded. So, what we need is someone young, someone who also understands and can make a difference.

It is the determination of young people that prove we are worth being considered. We are old enough and we can make educated decisions.

After winning West Cluster Youth Council Representative yesterday, I am incredibly delighted to be working with others who feel as passionate as I. This will open up my mind and thoughts about youth’s opinions and if voting at 16 is worth it. I interviewed another representative to share their opinion.

“Honestly, I have no clue what I think. I may think that it is an incredible idea - as it is our future, yet I honestly do not know what could happen. Some 16 year olds are still not that mature. A lot of things become legal at 18, and therefore it makes sense to vote at 18. I guess some are still not mature at 18, but that is much rarer than immature at 16. I can’t decide. I hope being a West Cluster Youth Council Representative will change my thoughts!”

So perhaps voting at 16 could be an issue. Are we immature, or is that just what older people want us to think? It does make sense to vote at 18, and more appropriate, but we do need a say in this.

So, tonight, tomorrow, next week, whenever, take a moment and just think. Is voting at 16 worth it?