Being a European national, it’s difficult not to be concerned about the effects of the Brexit and England’s resulting departure from the EU.
But I’m not keen on getting too involved in the politics of it all just yet
What did get me thinking was the following demographic statistic surrounding the referendum:
Source: Lord Ashcroft Polls
The correlation between age and conservative voting behaviour isn’t anything new, but what caught my eye is the difference between both ends of the scale.
[18-24 vs. 65+]
Why is there no upper age limit to voting, e.g. 65-74?
I realize we shouldn’t burden a 10-year-old child with the responsibility of bringing out a vote. They shouldn’t have to worry about politics and enjoy the power and beauty of their youth.
But why not extend that generosity to our late stage seniors? They also deserve to enjoy their old age free from the hassle of political life.
At the same time I wouldn’t want to be accused of depriving some seniors of their right to vote. However, given the rising life expectancy and ageing population, it might make sense to at least lower the voting age. Ultimately recalibrating the scales.
But should a 16 or even 14 year-old have the right to vote? Can they make a calculated, objective and responsible decision? Then again, can you?
We live in the age of information, and many teenagers learn early on how to filter their way through the info-tsunami which engulfs them on a daily basis. So who am I to say they aren’t informed or old enough to vote?
It is their future at stake after all.
For further reading on the subject, I suggest the following article by the Guardian:
