Legal Voting Age

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but not everyone is entitled to meddle around in global, political issues. If you think you have what it takes to run a country, a few years of college isn't too much to ask, especially if it's free.

Everyone is entitled to those things, and the right to vote.

Also, see bold.

We talking about your own country. We are also talking about voting here, not running a country.

I've added a poll to the first page also.

I'm also feeling ignored on this thread. I have an opinion too you know.

[Regulus]

A diplomademocracy could work in neither the USA nor the UK without major changes. This is based strictly in theory.

If all people have the right to vote, what about those who are actually mentally retarded? If I can't read, write, or count to 10, should I truly have a say in how my country functions?

It's the same idea.

[Si-Amber]

^ Not everybody is academic. It doesn't mean they are not intelligent. I've always been a great reader, but I struggled with education because of my learning difficulties and I got bored easily. Academic life was not for me. I'm insulted by anyone who suggests this means I can't form an informed opinion on what is right for my country, a country I contribute to!

In the UK, voting is not mandatory, so people who are ignorant of politics don't vote any way. I DO vote, because I want my opinions to count.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

If all people have the right to vote, what about those who are actually mentally retarded? If I can't read, write, or count to 10, should I truly have a say in how my country functions?

If they can't do any of those things they physically wouldn't be able to vote. I think that's a bit different then just not having a degree.

You need to write a name on a bit of paper yourself, I think. I'm not sure if you can have someone do it for you.

[Si-Amber]

If all people have the right to vote, what about those who are actually mentally retarded? If I can't read, write, or count to 10, should I truly have a say in how my country functions?

It's the same idea.

OK then, here's an idea -

To have the right to vote, you have to pass a simple test to show you have a basic knowledge of politics and the country? Anybody who can pass said test can vote.

BTW Reg, an illiterate person isn't necessarily incapable of intelligent thought and opinion.

[Regulus]

It's different, but only because it's an exaggeration. The same concept still applies.

A mentally retarded person isn't aware of politics. They are incapable of making such decisions, so it's best not to let them.

But, my point is this: why do we think we're any different? Can we truly make decisions that benefit ourselves and our society? Do we really even know what's best for us?

Who are we to say that we're smart enough to vote?

We all think we are, because we're so heavily invested in our opinions and our egotistical senses of self won't let us question what we think. But, be honest. Do you really have any idea what you're talking about, when it comes to politics? I'm not going to lie--I sure don't, a lot of the time. I pretend to, but I don't.

I'm not just talking about minors. I'm referring to every human on this planet, including myself. After all, only two things are infinite, and one of them is human stupidity. We all know it's true.

[Si-Amber]

Who are we to say that we're smart enough to vote?

We all think we are, because we're so heavily invested in our opinions and our egotistical senses of self won't let us question what we think. But, be honest. Do you really have any idea what you're talking about, when it comes to politics? I'm not going to lie--I sure don't, a lot of the time. I pretend to, but I don't.

I'm not just talking about minors. I'm referring to every human on this planet, including myself. After all, only two things are infinite, and one of them is human stupidity. We all know it's true.

Exactly! So your degree will make no difference to your ability to vote.

[Tsuki]

^ Not everybody is academic. It doesn't mean they are not intelligent. I've always been a great reader, but I struggled with education because of my learning difficulties and I got bored easily. Academic life was not for me. I'm insulted by anyone who suggests this means I can't form an informed opinion on what is right for my country, a country I contribute to!

In the UK, voting is not mandatory, so people who are ignorant of politics don't vote any way. I DO vote, because I want my opinions to count.

^This. I agree with everything Si is saying here and he is making a lot of sense.

[Regulus]

So your degree will make no difference to your ability to vote.

Then that's where we disagree.

In my opinion, nothing is more important than an education.

Not everybody is academic. It doesn't mean they are not intelligent.

In regard to most cases from my own personal experiences, I am inclined to disagree.

[Si-Amber]

So your degree will make no difference to your ability to vote.

Then that's where we disagree.

In my opinion, nothing is more important than an education.

Not everybody is academic. It doesn't mean they are not intelligent.

In regard to most cases from my own personal experiences, I am inclined to disagree.

As a non-academic college drop-out, who knows his intelligence, I disagree with your disagreement.