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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-12-21, Page 7News Most local high school students against lowering v�ting age to 16 "I'm not sure if the 16 -year-olds going to win either way so there's no would [get involved] because its point," said Adam McClure, another kind of been pushed in their face," student of CRSS. Vossen added. "I've learnt most of what I know about politics from my parents than from civics." Adam Heimpel, another student of CHSS, said lowering the voting age wouldn't be a helpful improvement for the country "I don't think [the students] will look at the candidates' strengths and weak- nesses. They'd just check off a name on the ballot;" he said. "It's not fair for the 16 -year-olds that are logical and politically intelligent, but you have to cut off the age somewhere, and I think 18 is a good place to do that." The Votel6 website has taken into account the responsibilities youth already have, the positives of 16 - year -old voters and updates on the campaign. Responsibilites listed include dri- ving a car, dropping out of school, and being tried in court as an adult. Sixteen -year-olds can also work and pay taxes, but they have no voice regarding where their tax dol- lars go. "They can take taxes away from [working teenagers] as citizens, but technically [we] are not citizens because [we] are not allowed to vote," said Sam Shouldice, a student in the World Issues class. At 16, one can also join the Canadian Forces Reserves, and at 17 one can join the Canadian Forces and die for Canada. These people can be sent to war, but cannot cast a vote, which the site said "is an aberration." Twelve per cent of Canadians (2.4 million) are aged 18-24, according to the Votel6 website. Whether voting is relevant to young people is another issue, points out the website, as many youth believe politicians ignore them and their views. "They (teenagers) don't think it will affect them. My brother doesn't even think he's going to vote because he thinks [Paul] Steckle is Ashley Eddie IIMEIMENIED The majority of students in a Grade 12 World Issues class at Central Huron secondary school (CHSS) are against reducing the voting age from 18 to 16 for the next federal election. "Sixteen is pretty young to know about what you want from the world," said student Jeff Johnston. "I just don't think they know that much about politics and the world," added Avril-Anne Hamilton. "I don't think they know the implications of what they're voting for," said Tasom Jeong. Some argued, however, that teens have a strong interest in politics. "When Paul [Steckle] came, there was an overwhelming response," said Emma Vossen, student presi- dent of CHSS. Currently, a federal campaign, called Vote 16, is being led by Mark Holland, Liberal incumbent for Ajax -Pickering. Holland introduced Bill C-261 to the House of Commons as a Liberal backbencher in 2004, calling on the government to change the federal Elections Act to lower the voting age to 16. The bill was defeated on June 8, 2005, but Holland plans to reintro- duce the bill in the next session of Parliament. Vossen, a 17 -year-old and a Grade 12 student at CHSS said lowering the age "would be awesome." Vossen's birthday is right after the election, and although she "would have taken advantage of [the oppor- tunity]," she's not sure if enough teenagers would take part in the voting process. "I think people would, but I don't know if it would be the majority," she said. "But I think a lot of the Grade 12's would take the effort and the responsibility," she added. Since students are required to take a civics course in Grade 10 when they are 15, in order to gradu- ate, Holland makes the argument they are qualified to vote. The Huron Expositor • December 21, 2005 Pogo 7 Seaforth Veterinary Clinic WILL BE CLOSED Boxing Day Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd SEAFORTH VETERINARY CLINIC .'" 527-1760 iTJL STECKLE Putting Your Interests First While a Christmas election was not of my choosing, I am now faced with the reality of a winter campaign. This obviously creates unique challenges but as always, the Huron -Brace Liberal Team is prepared and ready for all eventualities. That said, winter means snow and snow means difficult and often dangerous driving conditions. With that in mind, in an effort to allow effective and timely snow clearing and unimpeded vhdbllity for motorists, my campaign will be placing election signs in a manner that does not litter ow roadways with political advertising. My campaign would be pleased to provide lawn signs, upon request, for private properties but we will only place road signs sparingly, in locations that do not in any way impact adversely on motorists and those who are attempting to clear our roads. Elections are important democratic events but they should not overshadow public safety. I appreciate that this is not how election sign campaigns are normally conducted but, with a winter election, I believe that it is the responsible thug to do. I would invite you to request a lawn sign from any of my campaign offices and, as in the past, I hub' appreciate your support. For Inrormatkl , se eanglaNgraMents Offices: (S4 King Street) Clinton: (519) 482-7217 • (116 Durham Street) Walkerton: (519) 881-3587 (735 Queen Street) Kincardine (519) 396.5667 Authorized By The Officzal AgentForPaul Steckie • CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S MASS SCHEDULE AT I,OCAI, CATHOLIC CHURCHES Christmas Eve 5:00 pm at St. James' Church, Seaforth 7:00 pm at St. Joseph's Church, Clinton 9:30 pm at St. James' Church, Seaforth Christmas Day 11:00 am at St. James' Church, Seaforth New Year's Eve 5:15 pm at St. James' Church, Seaforth New Year's Day 9:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, Clinton 11:00 am at St James' Church, Seaforth MAY THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BRING YOU PEACE AND HAPPINESS. MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU LASTING JOY!