The UK wants to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the next general election in 2029. 5 experts give their verdicts on if Australia should do the same.

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[–] Nath@aussie.zone 8 points 5 days ago (4 children)

It rankled with me when I was 15-17 that I had to pay income tax as a kid making ~$70-$90 per day. My paltry income would be doing nothing for Mr tax man, but that money would be much better given to me on payday. I think I would have signed up to vote and get a say in how it was spent. But there are also a lot of 16 year old morons who would act in predictable ways if forced to vote.

Maybe introduce it as optional until you are 18? And then it goes compulsory.

[–] Insane_Turnip@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

Maybe introduce it as optional until you are 18? And then it goes compulsory.

This is the answer. It will give a (small) voice to the next generation who has to suffer under the piss-poor legislation that our government creates, so they can at least fight back. They're the ones who are on the border for a lot of things (or even partaking of some 'over-18' activities, like tax) and they should get a say in it.

Imagine if every 16-17 year old voted down the clowns in parliament so they (for example) have at least some chance of buying a house one day? The older generation (boomers) has already lost the majority voting base, and the Lib/Lab duopoly is feeling the hurt because of it.

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