Social Media and Election Hysteria

So, I'm sure everyone has noticed the influx of election-related tweets in their Facebook and Twitter timelines every time a debate is aired. And it's not just presidential candidates and informed adults. It is children and teenagers ranging from middle school through senior year voicing their opinions on each candidates' strengths and faux pas. But here's the thing: the Tweets themselves are sparking debates! Some people are responding and questioning whether or not people too young to vote can really be informed on the issues, or if their opinion really matters. Supposedly, they are only getting their information from their parents and shouldn't be passing it off as their own. But the people tweeting get defensive: Why can't they use social media outlets to express their opinions? I think it is interesting how users of websites designed to express opinions are also being told that they should keep it to themselves. Also, it is interesting how the use of social media is vital in this election, by both citizens and the nominees. But here's my question: What do you think? Should people use social networking as an outlet to express their opinions? And what if these people are under the voting age? Does their opinion still matter?