28 years old is when we stop growing, this having our body changing. We get fat from the now useless calories which until then helped us grow, at least no strong hormonal process dictates our fears of change. Most of us are now responsible parents and have had a job enough year to actually accept responsibilities. Some even were successful enough to start a proper business. These people don’t base their voting upon political flattery or media emotional soup but rather according to their experience as adults.
I cannot believe NZ wants 16 yo to vote. Would you trust a huge chunk of immatures who trust Greta Thunberg to decide for you?
Sorry (I am not), I had to get this out.
I must respectfully disagree. If the government has the ability to draft you and send you into battle, you are entitled to have a say in who decides to go to war.
Treating adults like children is part of what's led to the mess we're in now.
I think if you can pass a voter competency test, like demonstrate you know Who and What you are voting for, take the popularity element out of it real fast.
I'll argue this one all day long. The age should be 18...for EVERYTHING. I have a married, responsible, 18-year-old son who can't rent a hotel room or car. Let's teach our kids critical thinking skills then trust them with responsibilities.
I was independent on my 21st birthday. It almost broke Mum’s heart.
How about if you are in the military?
That’s a good point. Reminds me of Starship Troopers. A military who fought surely has a word to say.
How about if you are self sufficient financially
And only if you pay taxes.
Landowners only. One acre, one vote. You have to have skin in the game.
Too many votes for Bill Gates.
Gates owns 250,000 acres. It's not unusual for a Western ranch or Midwest farm to be 30,000 acres. Ten farmers/ranchers outvote him. The headlines tell a story, the truth gives it context.
I did not know until last night that when the Declaration of Independence was signed that James Monroe was 18 years old and John Adams was 19 years old. They were all in their early to mid 30's when the Constitution was signed. Perhaps this is why voting age became legal at the age of 18.
Mary!🤗💐
As usual, you make more sense than anyone else here!🙏🏻
What is the coincidence that I saw this on the news the night before you posted this?
Wow! Great coincidence indeed. Also, my HTL#762 is ready. 🤗💐
Thanks. Gotta go babysit. She's working weekends from now until Christmas shut down.
An age limit is actually a very poor criteria.
Something close to Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" is a better place to START.
IMO...
We need "fewer" voters, and more people "counted".
For example:
The married/legal head of the household should be the voter. BUT, that voter gets to count everyone in the household that they are RESPONSIBLE for. This way, wives and children and elderly and live in relatives are ALL COUNTED - BUT, they don't vote counter to the person that is doing the reality of the heavy lifting in that house. Throw in some property ownership criteria or military service like Heinlein and we would have a MUCH better system than universal sufferage.
Just an example...
Must pay a certain tax threshold. Only those who pay into the society get a say in the society but all citizens can benefit. Mandatory 2 year military service or college education in STEM for all men while we're at it.
Age does not dictate responsibility, knowledge, judgment or maturity. As with all generalizations, there are exceptions. Once upon a time, teenagers were considered to be full fledged adults. The responsibilities of adulthood were fully realized by them. Today we consider 18, 21 and 25 to be milestones in adulthood. We have pushed responsibility and accountability further and further and the level of immaturity has followed. Perhaps we need to reverse this trend and start holding young adults fully accountable and responsible for their actions instead of furthering the age of majority.
Yep I agree...no fighting for country either.