Poll results
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Support
Reject
Don't know
PolitPro Community – 3843 respondents – 17.10.2023-23.10.2023
Poll information
Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 38% of respondents were in favor of lowering the voting age to 16, while 60% were against.
:undecided% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3843 users of the PolitPro app during 17.10.2023-23.10.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.
Pros - What's in favor?
- Political participation and participation: young people aged 16 and over have a legitimate interest in political affairs and should have the right to cast their vote. By lowering the voting age to 16, young people are given the opportunity to actively participate in democratic processes and contribute their perspectives and interests. This promotes political education and participation among young people and strengthens their ties to democracy.
- Sense of responsibility and maturity: Many 16-year-olds are already well informed about political issues and demonstrate a high level of responsibility. They participate in political discussions, get involved in social movements and advocate for their causes. The right to vote from the age of 16 recognizes their maturity and interest in political decision-making and encourages them to play an active role in shaping their future.
- Education and political integration: Lowering the voting age to 16 also reinforces the value of political education. Schools can convey the importance of elections and democratic processes and sensitize young people to political issues at an early age. This contributes to young people's political integration and enhances their understanding of democratic principles and procedures.
Cons - What's against it?
- Maturity and experience: some argue that 16-year-olds may not yet have the maturity and life experience to make informed political decisions. They may be guided by emotions and short-term interests rather than a comprehensive view of complex political issues. A higher voting age ensures that those with sufficient experience and life perspective vote.
- Electoral Influence by Parents or School: There is concern that younger voters may be more influenced by their parents or school. With a lower voting age, parents or teachers could have a greater influence on young people's voting decisions. This could lead to a distortion of the political process and affect the independence and autonomy of young voters.
- Political stability: a lower voting age could lead to greater volatility in the political landscape. Young people may be less experienced in making political decisions, which could lead to increased fragmentation of political parties and unstable governance. A higher voting age ensures that political decisions are made by a broader and potentially more stable voter base.