Democracy is best applied in a nation if it is alive, and works. Democracy protects liberty and equality, but to do so all people should share alike in the democratic process.

The 2008 presidential election has revealed the political weight a young person has. Campaigns like those of Democratic Senator Barack Obama and Congressman Ron Paul have utilized the energy and the voting power of younger people to procure success. In Missouri we have a later primary, but a no less important one.

Our state is an important one, because our primary can give an example of the way other Midwestern states might vote in the general election.

In Missouri’s primary, however, inequality in the democratic process is present, weakening our voice. As of now, those of the age of 17 who will be of the voting age by the general election cannot vote in the primary.

This shows a serious weakness in Missouri’s democratic process and shows a serious error in judgment for the major parties. The youth in America have voices too; the youth must participate to make an effective representative government and our voices must be heard.