In a recent newspaper insert, the Secretary of State reports on the low voting rates of people ages 18 to 24. The insert questions whether the response to this low rate should be to raise the voting age in Vermont. My question is whether exactly the opposite is needed -- as a way to instill life-long voting habits and involve young people in the political process should the voting age be lowered in Vermont to 17 or 16 for state and local elections?

Given that Vermont has had strong 3rd party candidates in several elections, how could the electoral system be revised to allow voters to "vote their conscience" without feeling they are either throwing away their vote or helping the candidate they least like?

Jamie, Montpelier
Posted by VPR Online Producer, Tim Johnson