As we head into Women’s History month in March, one woman stands out as an early pioneer for women’s rights, Susan B. Anthony. Her birthday is remembered this month, but she is known for a November day in 1872, when she and other women registered to vote. When Anthony attempted to vote, she was arrested and convicted of the crime of illegal voting. She was also an anti-slavery activist and joined forces with abolitionist Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York. Although it wasn’t legal for women to vote until 1920, Susan B. Anthony led the campaign to for women’s suffrage. Listen to hear more about her legacy as an advocate for women’s rights in the United States.
Read MoreDebate: Should the Voting Age Be Lowered?
Youth organizers want the voting age lowered to 16. There have been some successes and some setbacks in this effort. People who want to keep the voting age at 18 cite issues with maturity and think this might support Democrats only, however 50 percent of millennials self-identify as political independents. Other say that many issues affect 16 and 17 year olds, so they should be allowed to vote on them. Listen to hear from a youth advisory board member for Vote16USA and then debate: Should the voting age be lowered?
Read MoreDebate: Should 16-year-olds Be Allowed to Vote?
Americans are currently eligible to vote at age 18, but some say the age should be lowered to 16. Supporters of the change say younger generations have proven they are engaged and informed through their political activism and should have a voice in decisions that will affect their future. Opponents fear that 16-year-olds lack the maturity to vote and may be heavily influenced by parents and teachers. Listen to hear a young activist argue for lowering the voting age and then debate: Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote?
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Many new citizens feel that voting is an important right, and they look forward to exercising that right for the first time. Becoming a naturalized citizen takes time and effort, so completing the process and registering to vote can be an occasion to celebrate. Listen to hear new citizens share their perspectives on voting and find out why it helps to start voting right away and continue to do so.
Read MoreCURRENT EVENT | May 2, 2024
Teens in Newark, New Jersey, have succeeded in lowering the voting age for school board elections to 16. People elected to school boards play an important role in determining how schools run by creating budgets, forming policies, and approving school district leadership. Critics of lowering the voting age worry that 16- and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to make smart decisions at the ballot box. Those in favor of the change say that young people’s voices deserve to be heard on issues that affect them. Listen to hear a youth activist discuss the topic and then debate: Should teens get a say in who runs their schools?
Story Length: 1:45
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01/12/2024
https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/2620-debate-should-teens-get-a-say-in-who-runs-their-schools
Classroom Discussion Themes