On another post I ask if voting even matters and the replies are coming in gradually. All of which are great replies from very smart members of the site, yet I wonder since the days where school grades where in better shape, students actually understood how our government functions, and how a popular member that could do a trick or have a talent wouldn't get a vote just because he could do it will be in today's votes.

Here is an example: A 18 year old votes but doesn't even know what a Congress is or what responsiblities a President as of Vice President has. In otherwords, he passed through high school but is still oblivious of the history of our country let alone how our government functions. Should he be able to vote?

What about a foreigner that gets his citizenship but doesn't speak a word of English and doesn't understand our government.

What about special interests - let us say a musician votes for Clinton just because he can play the saxophone, or a Mormon votes for Romney because they share the same religion, or a black man voting for only Obama because he is half black. Should those votes count?

I always wanted to believe that votes should count when the individual really tackles and agrees on ideas to improve society as a whole and not just for a individual interest. I am wrong once again as I see how our country is being dumbed down year after year with the knowledge our people should have before voting for anyone in Congress.

What are your thoughts about it and if you are savvy tell me what should be done? For me personally I think we need to invest more money on education for our children so they can be a bit more aware of what is going on with our government as of country.

Thanks for your input!

I think the vote should be equally accessible for all citizens, their educational level or social status shouldnt make them any less a citizen with a right to a voice,,,

might sound simplistic, but its what I believe

I do , however, agree that schools should teach more about how the government actually works, especially the presidential powers and the powers of congress and the checks and balances,,,,so politicians would have to stop playing the 'blame game' with each other and work together again for the good AND the bad,,,

The only vote that counts is the one that gets Obummer out.

On another post I ask if voting even matters and the replies are coming in gradually. All of which are great replies from very smart members of the site, yet I wonder since the days where school grades where in better shape, students actually understood how our government functions, and how a popular member that could do a trick or have a talent wouldn't get a vote just because he could do it will be in today's votes.

Here is an example: A 18 year old votes but doesn't even know what a Congress is or what responsiblities a President as of Vice President has. In otherwords, he passed through high school but is still oblivious of the history of our country let alone how our government functions. Should he be able to vote?

What about a foreigner that gets his citizenship but doesn't speak a word of English and doesn't understand our government.

What about special interests - let us say a musician votes for Clinton just because he can play the saxophone, or a Mormon votes for Romney because they share the same religion, or a black man voting for only Obama because he is half black. Should those votes count?

I always wanted to believe that votes should count when the individual really tackles and agrees on ideas to improve society as a whole and not just for a individual interest. I am wrong once again as I see how our country is being dumbed down year after year with the knowledge our people should have before voting for anyone in Congress.

What are your thoughts about it and if you are savvy tell me what should be done? For me personally I think we need to invest more money on education for our children so they can be a bit more aware of what is going on with our government as of country.

Thanks for your input!

Yes, educating our young voters is always a good idea.

New citizens must speak understandable English and know our history and government...or at least they used to. If they don't now, that is a mistake on our part.

I have no idea how you would throw out, much less know, such unreasoning votes where they vote because they like the person and don't understand the political stance.
EDIT: You would also have to throw out votes just because someone voted against someone cuz they don't like him/her?

Maybe before you vote, you have to attend a "seminar" where each candidates positions are explained? Just facts of course, no mud-slinging (wow, what a concept!).

Knowledge is power.