BATESVILLE, Ind. – You must be at least 18 years of age to cast a ballot during the general election today.
But, how different would American politics be if kids were allowed to vote?
We caught up with some third-graders from St. Louis School on Monday and it appears candidates would certainly have their hands full on the campaign trail.
“I think kids should be replaced with grownups, for a lot of reasons,” Evan said. “Kids should be able to vote, that should be a law!”
“Yeah, if your older than [1-year-old] you should be able to vote,” another student chimed in. Kate and Megan disagreed asking the boys how a 2-year-old could manage to cast an educated vote.
“If you are 2 then you can just ask Mom which is [the better candidate] or just look it up on the internet to see who is better,” Evan answered.
Washington D.C. is paying close attention to the race in Kentucky between Senator Mitch McConnell and Democrat Alison Grimes.
Even though we can’t vote for either candidate in Indiana, the St. Louis students are all eyes on the Senate race.
“So, I am out in the kitchen snacking on my Halloween candy, and my mom turns on Ellen, man that show,” Evan shivered. “And then, this comes on and it’s Mitch McConnell and that, and then, it’s like Alison Grimes, and she makes me feel better.”
“Well someone said Alison Grimes wants our money but doesn’t pay her money,” one of the girls quickly responded.
Evan defended, “Well that’s not true!”
A debate ensued amongst the third graders about who should win the Kentucky Senate seat. One student even shared a disturbing revelation that one of the two candidates “gives him nightmares.”
The students later transitioned the hotly contested debate to thoughts on political advertising including all those signs they see along the roadside when they ride in mom and dads car.
Josh said, “Mine would say something like, ‘Don’t vote for anyone but me or I will raise your taxes, big time!’”
“How are you going to raise their taxes,” the students chorused.
Josh replied, “There’s something called using the force. I’ve used the force before. Remember on hat day, I used the force right?”
“You just pushed a button,” hollered Megan.
“Nu huh,” Josh said back.
One thing all six students unanimously agreed on is that kids should be allowed to vote.
