Young voters

The Bellingham (Wash.) Herald

This time of year is a perfect opportunity for parents to speak with their kids on the responsibility that comes with democracy. It is a chance for parents to tell their kids about the issues that matter and stress the value of being informed.

Younger teenagers should be taught the value of political interaction. Many issues of this year's election will directly impact young citizens.

Moreover, before the age of 18, a teenager is welcome to become active in the election process by attending forums, writing letters and otherwise promoting a cause. ...

Teenagers already understand the basic model of democracy, a knowledge that they attained while text messaging their votes to "American Idol." During a single episode of "American Idol" viewers submitted more than 28 million votes -- a figure that is triple the number of votes cast by the 18 to 24 age demographic in the 2000 presidential election.

Parents have the primary influence in a young adult's life to reverse this trend. ... It is only a matter of time before these adolescents become the leaders of our country.