Section 1 of the the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
On December 20th of 2007, the State of Maryland has interpreted this to mean that children who are 17 years old can vote in the primary election. However, the Board of Elections did state that these children must be 18 by the general election.
One must agree that the Constitution is quite ambiguous on the 26th Amendment. It says "18", but is it really 18, or close to 18? What if you are very mature for your age? It clearly does not take this into consideration.
What if you are 17 years old and have a beard and can get away with buying beer at the liquor store? Most people would think this dude is 18. It's so very confusing.
This amendment could be interpreted multiple ways and luckily for us here in Maryland, they have cleared this up. Maryland believes that the Constitution is a "living document", meaning that it can be interpreted any way you want per the circumstances at the time. What the amendment really means is, "If you are close to 18, you can vote."
It is estimated that nearly six 17 year-old's will vote in the Primary Election next year. Most of the eligible 17 year old's in Baltimore City, however, will be in prison, so turnout is expected to be low there.
Showing posts with label consitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consitution. Show all posts
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Maryland Constitution
Which of the following items seems as if it is inappropriate to appear in the Maryland Constitution?
We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare:
Article 1. That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.
Art. 5. (b) The parties to any civil proceeding in which the right to a jury trial is preserved are entitled to a trial by jury of at least 6 jurors.
Art. 7. That the right of the People to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty and the foundation of all free Government; for this purpose, elections ought to be free and frequent; and every citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage.
Art. 10. That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.
Art. 13. That every man hath a right to petition the Legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner.
Art. 14. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen or fees ought to be rated or levied, under any pretense, without the consent of the Legislature.
Art. 22. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case.
Art. 48. We shall have slots, hon, down Ocean City, in the number less than 15,000 machines, of which the total across the state shall be. We also want slots down Rocky Gap out in Western Maryland. The state shall assume 55% of all proceeds from slots to pay for education. The machines should pay out 85% of all proceeds. The machines will be digital and glitzy, not to exceed 95 decibels.
If you think one of these items does not belong in the Maryland Constitution, you get the chance to vote on it. The legislators decided that it was too risky to vote on it themselves and rather than having a legislative referendum to have the voters decide (which would have allowed slots under a new Maryland law), the left-wing liberals and the misguided and unintelligent Baltimore City delegation voted to have a Constitutional referendum, which will add the details of slots into the Maryland Constitution. So, "We the people of Maryland wanna play slots, hon."
We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare:
Article 1. That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.
Art. 5. (b) The parties to any civil proceeding in which the right to a jury trial is preserved are entitled to a trial by jury of at least 6 jurors.
Art. 7. That the right of the People to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty and the foundation of all free Government; for this purpose, elections ought to be free and frequent; and every citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage.
Art. 10. That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.
Art. 13. That every man hath a right to petition the Legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner.
Art. 14. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen or fees ought to be rated or levied, under any pretense, without the consent of the Legislature.
Art. 22. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case.
Art. 48. We shall have slots, hon, down Ocean City, in the number less than 15,000 machines, of which the total across the state shall be. We also want slots down Rocky Gap out in Western Maryland. The state shall assume 55% of all proceeds from slots to pay for education. The machines should pay out 85% of all proceeds. The machines will be digital and glitzy, not to exceed 95 decibels.
If you think one of these items does not belong in the Maryland Constitution, you get the chance to vote on it. The legislators decided that it was too risky to vote on it themselves and rather than having a legislative referendum to have the voters decide (which would have allowed slots under a new Maryland law), the left-wing liberals and the misguided and unintelligent Baltimore City delegation voted to have a Constitutional referendum, which will add the details of slots into the Maryland Constitution. So, "We the people of Maryland wanna play slots, hon."
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