Hey there, fellow citizens of the world! I'm Elena, a 16-year-old girl from the beautiful country of Montenegro, nestled in the heart of the Western Balkans. I wanted to share my thoughts on a topic that's been making waves lately: should the voting age be lowered to 16 in our region? As an active and engaged young woman, I believe it's time to give us a voice in shaping our country's future.

First off, let me tell you, being 16 doesn't mean we're clueless about the world around us. We're not just hanging out on social media and binge-watching shows (although, yes, we do that too). We're informed, curious, and we care deeply about what's happening in our country. Lowering the voting age recognizes our right to be heard, and trust me, we're ready for the responsibility.

Montenegro, like our fellow Western Balkan countries, has a rich history, with challenges that sometimes feel like they've been handed down through generations. But here's the thing: we're not just inheritors of problems; we're inheritors of potential solutions. Our fresh perspective can breathe new life into old issues, and we're eager to contribute.

Take climate change, for example. We're the generation that's going to feel its impact the most. We're the ones who'll be dealing with rising sea levels, extreme weather, and all the consequences of environmental negligence. So, doesn't it make sense to let us have a say in policies that will shape the world we're inheriting?

Sure, some argue that we're not mature enough to vote, that we'll be swayed by emotions. But let me tell you, emotions aren't a bad thing. They show we care. And when we combine our passion with the information at our fingertips, we're a force to be reckoned with. We've grown up in the age of the internet – we know how to research, fact-check, and critically analyze information. We're not easily fooled.

Critics also worry that politics might divide us along ethnic lines, given our history. But here's where I see an opportunity. Lowering the voting age can actually help bridge those divides. By involving us in political decisions, we can learn to understand each other's perspectives better. We can work together to build a united Montenegro, regardless of our backgrounds.

I know there are concerns about political manipulation and lack of experience. But let's be honest, no one starts off as an expert. We learn by doing, and the earlier we start, the more experienced we'll become. It's like riding a bike – you can't learn if you never get on one. So why not give us the chance to learn about democracy by participating in it?

Here's an idea: why not integrate civic education into our school curriculum? Teach us about the importance of voting, the structure of our government, and how policies affect our daily lives. With proper education, we can become informed voters who understand the impact of our choices.

I want to emphasize that we're not asking for a free pass; we're asking for an opportunity. An opportunity to prove that we're not just the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today. An opportunity to show that we're invested in our country's progress and are willing to work for it.

So, to answer the question: Are the Western Balkan countries ready to reduce the voting age to 16? I say, Montenegro is ready. We're ready to be engaged, active citizens. We're ready to bring our unique perspective to the table. We're ready to learn, to grow, and to contribute.

To my fellow young people in Montenegro and across the Western Balkans, let's embrace this chance to make our voices heard. Let's show that we're not just the future; we're a crucial part of the present. And to those who doubt us, give us a chance. You might be surprised by the passion, knowledge, and determination we bring to the table.

In the end, it's not just about lowering the voting age; it's about empowering us to shape the course of our nation. Together, let's build a brighter future for Western Balkans, for all of us.

About Author

Elena Ratković

Elena Ratković is 16 year old young activist from Montenegro. She got the II. Maribor gymnasium scholarship for two-year IB Diploma Programme, and is currently studying in Maribor, Slovenia. She is active volunteer in Youth Network of Montenegro, local programme coordinator in Network for Youth Activism of Montenegro and former delegate in High School Students Union of Montenegro.