Why the Voting Age Should Be Lowered
Whether it’s Brexit or new laws, voting decides our country’s future and every vote counts. As voting is for the benefit of the next generation, so shouldn’t young people be given a voice too?
Pic: Unsplash Creative Commons / Edwin Andrade
People of older generations will vote based on their opinions on how our future will go. Isn’t that also our choice to make? In my opinion, the legal age that you can begin voting should change to 16.
That next generation is very important. We will be ruling the country one day, so why is the legal voting age 18 and up?
Many elderly people today have very strong opinions of the typical young generation. They believe we are not responsible. We are not trusted with the responsibility of voting.
Although the younger generation should be allowed to vote for our country, this should not be at the expense of the older generations vote. As a country, everyone should strive to have a voice, no matter what the age. We all want what we think is best for our country, and all of us should think ahead towards the difficult years to come.
Susan Taylor, from Pitchcombe, describes herself as “over 65”. Taylor told The Independent “Most of us consider ourselves to be an extremely blessed generation, but we are very aware of how hard it is for those coming after us. I have two daughters and two sons-in-law, plus one grandson. When I voted it was particularly with my grandson in mind, not myself.”
As a member of the younger generation, I am constantly told that I have a voice and should be allowed to express my views and opinions. How can I even begin to believe that when I cannot vote? What I vote for could affect my future immensely.
I do not, however, think that the older generation should lose the privilege of voting for our future. I think that we should at least have a small say in it as we will be the ones experiencing your decision in the years to come. I believe that the older generation will hopefully strive to correct the mistakes they have made to our country already.
The older generation does not accurately represent our country anymore. While they should not lose their right to vote, the responsibility of our future should be given to the young people. We are the future of our country.