It’s not often you see young people excited about politics, but two recent examples show that the next generation may be more politically inclined than most assume. 

In Hattiesburg, an 18-year-old is expected to take office in January as Forrest County’s next District 1 election commissioner.

According to media reports, teenager Tyler Wood beat out incumbent Charlie Phillips during last week’s election. 

Wood, who’s a student at Pearl River Community College in Hattiesburg, says he’ll be up to the job despite his age, according to the Associated Press. He says it’s not about how old you are, it’s about having the “integrity, the knowledge and the experience” to do the job, AP reported. 

Wood says he got interested in the job while helping out during Forrest County’s recent primaries.

Gwen Wilks, the county’s circuit clerk, says the unofficial results show Wood with about 300 votes more than his opponent. Affidavit ballots are still being counted but she said it’s unlikely to change the results.

Locally, a reader stopped by The Daily Leader office to brag on his young grandson, who followed the presidential race Tuesday night and was rooting for Donald Trump to win. 

The youngster tracked results as returns came in from swing states and was awake when the race turned toward Trump later than night. 

The future of our country will depend upon young people, and it’s encouraging to see the next generation take an interest in politics. Tomorrow’s political leaders need all the experience they can get today.