Speak Up: Should teens have a say in school board elections?
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Delaware’s school board elections are today, and voter participation has been on the decline statewide in recent years. House Bill 96, which was tabled last week in the House Education Committee, sought to remedy that and to cultivate civic interest by allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote for school board members. Minors ages 14-17 are allowed a permit to work, and those who are 16 and 17 can be issued a Level 1 learner’s permit for driving, both of which come with a certain level of responsibility. Should they also be allowed to vote in school board elections?
- No, not until they have actual “skin in the game” and pay the taxes that will be required to fund their decisions. Otherwise, they will be lured by the “candy” of the doubtful promises without having to bear the burden of consequences. — Dennis Kirkwood
- No, they don’t pay taxes. The parents do. — Peggy West
- Yes, for the reasons stated above. — Benjamin Black
- No. — Norma Lynn Evans-Hudson
- Absolutely not. — Friends of John Marino
- No. — Charles Cain
- Nope. — Matthew Fisher
- No! Children don’t always know what’s best for them. Especially with today’s wolves in sheep’s clothing. A child will usually choose cake over vegetables. — Bob Hice
- No. — Gene Hansen
