The Evolution of Voting Age: Historical Context and Controversies

Introduction

Throughout the history of various countries, the age at which individuals are granted the right to vote has varied significantly. In the case of Vietnam, a nineteen-year-old Private First Class (PFC) named John observed that the voting age was 21 when he arrived in Vietnam in the late 1960s or early 1970s. John, along with many of his contemporaries, found this discrepancy to be unjust, considering that they could be deployed and potentially killed in combat but were still denied the right to vote or even sign a contract without parental consent.

Historical Context of the Voting Age in Vietnam

Historically, the voting age in Vietnam was set at 21. This decision, undoubtedly, was made with the intention of ensuring that individuals had a certain level of maturity and rationality when casting their votes. During a time when society's understanding of mental and emotional development was not as sophisticated as it is today, 21 was seen as a reasonable threshold. This was reflected in the broader understanding that those under the age of 21 might be more suggestible or easily influenced by external factors, including smooth talkers and biased media.

Changing the Voting Age

However, the Vietnam War brought about significant changes in societal norms and legal policies. Many young soldiers like John and their contemporaries voiced their discontent with the voting age being set at 21. Their vocal protests and advocacy led to a significant change. In the late 1970s, the voting age was successfully lowered to 18. This decision acknowledged the maturity of young adults and their ability to make informed decisions, especially in the context of a democratic system.

Arguments for a Higher Voting Age

John and many others now argue that the voting age should be increased to 35. They believe that young adults, especially those who are still in the early stages of their careers and personal development, are too easily swayed by persuasive rhetoric and biased media. Proponents of this view suggest that the current age of 18 does not adequately account for the potential vulnerabilities that young individuals might face in decision-making processes.

Controversies and Considerations

The debate around the voting age is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, opponents of increasing the voting age argue that younger adults are just as capable of understanding and participating in the democratic process. These individuals suggest that increasing the voting age could exacerbate generational divides and potentially limit the voice and influence of young people in society. On the other hand, advocates for a higher voting age argue that this change could lead to more informed and mature decision-making, contributing to a more stable and thoughtful electorate.

Conclusion

The evolution of voting age from 21 to 18 in Vietnam reflects the ongoing efforts to balance the protection of younger individuals with the need for responsible and informed participation in democratic processes. While the current voting age of 18 is widely accepted, the debate over whether it should be increased to 35 continues, with arguments centered on the maturity and rationality of young adults in a complex world filled with persuasive rhetoric and biased media.

Ultimately, the question of the ideal voting age remains an open one, with societies continuously reassessing their policies in light of evolving societal norms and the needs of their citizenry.