Joe Manchin: “I rise to speak about the importance of teaching our young people to embrace their right--and responsibility-- to…”

“I rise to speak about the importance of teaching our young people to embrace their right--and responsibility-- to participate in our democratic election process and to highlight a West Virginia high school that has an outstanding record for going the extra mile to encourage their students to register and vote. As Americans, there is no greater freedom or responsibility than our right to vote. Our country was born because brave men and women fought tirelessly and endured countless hardships to win their voting rights. In fact, even young people had to fight for this right. It was West Virginia's own Senator Jennings Randolph, who was elected to serve with our beloved Robert C. Byrd, who relentlessly advocated for the 26th amendment to the Constitution so Americans could vote starting at age 18. In 1971, the measure finally passed. What few people know is he worked on that for over 20 years. Senator Randolph believed, as I do, that every vote counts, and as important, I believe every voter has the right and responsibility to take an active role in our electoral process. I tell young people all the time they cannot just sit on the sidelines and watch life happen; they have to get in the game and get active. Voting not only gives us the opportunity to have our voices heard but also to have a real impact on setting the priorities for America's future.…”