Let Teens Work at Polls

When it deals with Texas politics how involved is today’s youth? In our society, many may add that our youth is far from understanding and grasping the concept of how politics work. For those teens that are unclear on the political process, they should be informed and allowed to take more of a proactive stand. As a concerned parent and Texan, we must view our youth of today as tomorrow’s future and mold them into becoming educated citizens in our society.

One particular method that has been addressed is to allow our teenage Texans (ages 16 and 17 year olds) to work as election clerks at the polls. At the moment, “Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia permit teenagers to work at polling places in some capacity.” Former Texas Secretary of State, Roger Williams, is for the idea of allowing our youth to participate in such a learning experience. However, "A Texas Senate-approved proposal allowing teenagers to work at polling stations died before reaching the House floor in this year's legislative session." The thought of being politically involved to some extent could be frightful to some students. An opportunity like this that allows teenagers to work at the polls would encourage our teens to speak up on political matters. In addition, it may encourage them to vote (when of age) for specific issues that they believe in. The numbers show that “In the 2004 presidential election, 42 percent of Texas voters ages 18 to 29 voted.”

Allowing teens to work at the polls would be a great way to drive our youth in the direction of political involvement. It would establish responsibility and it would keep them informed as to what is going on in their area.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/10/05/1005elections.html