In a country where voting can bring such monumental change, Americans must find a true balance between who is allowed to vote & who isn’t. Whether that’s because of citizenship, age, criminal records or mental incompetence.

For instance, the so-called criminals who have been convicted of a felony charge, some people believe that “if you are a convicted felon you shouldn’t be able to vote.” Now, this may deem true to some, in only twelve states is there additional action required after sentencing or parole in order to receive these rights once again. Although heinous crimes should be unforgiven; such as murder, rape, arson or even perjury. There are certain types of crimes that go hand in hand with not being able to make critical decisions. If this is the case, then one’s rights shouldn’t be restored.

Another matter that may seem trivial to some voters is mental illness. The people affected by mental illness should be allowed to vote unless they are unable to fully grasp what is happening & the intentions behind their actions. The right to vote is one of the prerogatives that is most admired by the free people. Yet it shouldn’t be available to people of unsound mind; such as people suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer’s or any illness that can actively destroy memory, or cognitive abilities to the point where it affects daily functions. If they need assistance with voting they should be helped, but this could allow others to essentially vote twice, by influencing these people. Trying to find the line between people who are capable and those who aren’t, isn’t an easy thing to do, but we must take steps towards this.

From the other side of the spectrum, the voting age should be lowered to 16 or 17 years old. Although teenagers can be seen as impulsive and erratic, we also tend to be some of the most honest and idealistic people. Without having to deal with all the other problems that come as adults, our minds have more space for political values. Also the older generation is not nearly as diverse or ethnic as the youth. If given the chance to be heard, they will feel valued & get in the habit of voting earlier and earlier.

If voting is supposedly so important in America, we have to fine tune who is capable of making these decisions for all of us Americans. We need the most valid & relevant votes to matter more than anything. If we want the best statistics and elections, we have to attempt to cut out the people who could possibly negatively affect these elections and find the best possible people to vote for our country. Especially in times like these.