Should Mentally Challenged Citizens Vote?
I was watching the news tonight and it seems there is a group in PA that are registering the mentally challenged and sitting them down and trying to explain the political issues and where both sides stand. They claim that these mentally challenged citizens shouldn’t be treated as second class citizens and should be able to vote. I’m sorry, but I don’t understand how these citizens can really make an informed decision.
Here’s the issue that I have with this, who is explaining these issues and which slant are they putting on what they are explaining? I am having a problem myself understanding all these issues and I still haven’t decided which way I am going to vote. I have been reading both sides and I don’t consider myself an ignorant person and I’m still trying to figure out which side I think will do the least harm to our nation.
I’d really like to hear opinions from other people about this issue. As far as I’m concerned that would be like giving a child the right to vote and giving the parent the right to sway it their way. Yes, I know children are very smart these days, but is their mind developed enough and capable to make distinctions between the different parties and what they stand for?
I believe everyone has the right to vote that is mentally responsible and coherent of the issues. Unfortunately, there are too many ways to manupilate this situation and I would personally classify it with the group that registers dead people to vote.
Its too suspect of voter fraud and too likely to be misused. If an individual is not able to comphrend at a cognitive level, then said individual should be disqualified using the same methodology required to get a driver’s license (requiring a doctor’s letter of compendance).
Hi Jude
People tell me I’m an intelligent person, but when it comes to politics, it gets very confusing. Everyone is pretty much saying the same thing, just using different words. I too look at the elections more as ‘who would do the least harm.’ Its a shame.
So I would see this action with the mentally challenged as another political scam. Another way for a small group of people to influence our country to their own desires. That’s not what its suppose to be about.
I didn’t know about this… thanks for bringing it up. That’s very interesting – for lack of a better word. I think if an individual is able to understand and make an informed decision then that’s one thing, but I would hope there isn’t a group out there that’s trying to take advantage of a disadvantaged group and sway them. That would be sad.
taking the time to explain to an individual is what is required. as you stated even you are confused as to what each candidates’ positions are. that in itself speaks to the fact that we need to require a Straight Talk, No Spin Platform to be posted to their websites; so that even those who are confused can get a straight perspective and put it into their frame of logic, in order to make a proper decision on who they’d like to vote for.
I think Each Citizen Deserves A Vote; even those who need a lil help, like Me and You.
Wow, what an excellent question. Does not every American citizen have the right to vote, unless you have performed a felony where they have been removed for a period of time?
But you also raise some very alarming questions, as far as the parties teaching them. They should have people on both sides of the coin teaching them.
Unfortunately, intelligent adults, many times are not capable of behaving intelligently when it comes to issues like politics and religion, etc. In the end, these people may end up being the most capable of making a decision. Many of them are much more intelligent than we give them credit for, also.
Hmm, what a good thought to ponder.
Great post.
~Best Wishes~