During several hours of testimony from both sides on SB 8 (full write-up of the latest version here) numerous supporters of the legislation cited “Jim Crow” and voter suppression and numerous other reasons for the legislation which, among other provisions, would allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.
Now, setting aside the fact that record numbers of New Mexicans turned out to vote in 2020, we at the Rio Grande Foundation fail to see the further loosening of New Mexico’s already-loose election laws as a solution to what seems like a nonexistent problem.
But, “democracy” is more than just casting votes. It is also about accountability for our political leaders. So, it is frankly bizarre that after two full sessions and a few special sessions, the Legislature STILL has not seriously-considered limiting the power of one person, our Gov., in a so-called emergency. The current situation is NOT democratic or even befitting of a democratic-republic.
Unfortunately, when it comes to voting and allowing 16-17 year olds to vote in local elections, age is an arbitrary number. But, why not a well-informed 9 year old or a 12 year old? Should we require some kind of test of the basic workings of our government in order to vote? The truth is that most ill-informed 16 and 17 year olds turn into ill-informed 18 year olds, but at least at 18 you are legally responsible for yourself and you can get a full-time job to support yourself.
There are numerous problems with the push for expanded voting and the fact that SB 8 went through three iterations before its first committee illustrates that point.
I think individuals who vote should be responsible for their financial wellbeing and an understanding of the consequences of their vote, i.e, taxes, impact on jobs, education, etc. Few 16/17 year olds have those concepts.
Heck, many adults aren’t educated in those concepts. A survey found more than 50% under the age of 50 (I think it was age 50), got their news only from Facebook, and never read a newspaper or watched a world news broadcast. It’s called the dumbing down of America. I bet most couldn’t find Pakistan on a map.
This is unfair and discriminatory. If 16-year-olds are allowed to vote, they also should be allowed to purchase firearms and liquor, register for the draft, get married and be tried as adults for crimes.
I can see it now: A shot-and-a-chaser between classes; bring a gun to the game; vote on who the teachers are, etc. I tell ‘ya Jim, this would make school relevant again! Of course, the Republicans won’t go along with it unless the kids have photo-ID. Sigh.
This is just furtherance of the elections being “fixed” in 2020. They want to seal the process so they can remain in power forever. (Which in NM, appears to be a given anyway). I personally believe that only property owners should be able to vote in Federal elections. Education in government affairs was gone a long time ago.
The hypocrisy is that Jim Crow Laws were originally enacted by the Democratic Party. They’ll say that was a different time or some such nonsense but the stain of history remains…
The problem with allowing minors to vote is they are not legally emancipated. Their parents can instruct them how to vote.
As we often see in Rio Arriba County, a family member can enter the voting both to “assist” with voting. For a family with several children that essentially allows the parents multiple votes via their children as proxies.