Votes for children Why we should lower the voting age to six

(theguardian.com)

7 points | by fanf2 2 days ago ago

6 comments

  • nis0s 2 days ago ago

    People who say they’re voting “with their gut” lie about that, they’re voting to ensure specific outcomes for themselves or their community, but have no desire to explain any of that. Having six+ year olds vote would just include a population that votes with their gut, but doesn’t have any justification beyond peer or social pressure. While some adults vote based on peer or social pressure, the majority do not. The targeted political messaging at a young age will also create an even more polarized society, maybe with more propensity towards extremism because the longer you’re recruited to a cause the more likely you are to do something violent for it.

  • nrhrjrjrjtntbt 2 days ago ago

    Proportional representation first. Then letting younger people (6?? maybe 15+) vote will have more impact.

    • robocat a day ago ago

      Don't copy New Zealand MMP: half of our members of parliament are chosen by the parties (list vote) and have no voter constituency. It is shitty. The 5% parties get far too much power e.g. Winston Peters (and I read about coalitions causing problems in Germany).

      And the 10% parties often refuse to do anything because they refuse to cross the floor (e.g. the greens never work with our conservatives so their power is wasted - they only exercise their power when the majority party is lefty and enough greeny).

    • dietr1ch a day ago ago

      What's the point of making up subgoals? Just to avoid something happening?

      • nrhrjrjrjtntbt a day ago ago

        Not a subgoal. A more useful goal if you want geographically spread large group voices (like young people) heard.

  • gnabgib a day ago ago

    (2021)