Opinions from Eoin O’Malley and Anna McWey about reducing the voting age, titled “Should 16 year olds have the right to vote? A political scientist and a youth leader debate”, were keenly followed by the perceptive commentary of Patrick Freyne and Jen Hogan titled “Hooked on Tiktok” published in the Opinion & Analysis and Magazine sections, respectively, just a few days apart in mid-May. The latter commentary, based on interviews with teens, suggested that even though adolescents are aware of the manipulation strategies used on social media platforms such as TikTok, they continue to be vulnerable to manipulation.
O’Malley’s piece argued that, despite there being a broad agreement that 18 year-olds are considered adults, similar agreement does not exist for 16 year olds. He further questions whether proponents for decreasing the voting age would be comfortable with 16 year olds being subject to the adult criminal justice system. On the other hand, McWey observed in her perspective that countries including Germany and Scotland have already lowered the voting age. It’s interesting to note that the right-wing Alternative for Germany has an impressive presence on TikTok, with content specifically targeted at younger audiences. It has also been suggested that the decision to decrease the voting age in Scotland was a failed political move by the Scottish National Party in the referendum.
16 and 17 year-olds currently face numerous societal and legal barriers as they are still recognised as minors by the law. They are unable to wed, serve on a jury, sign legal contracts, buy lottery tickets, smoking products, or alcohol and prohibited from participating in radio or TV competitions that offer cash prizes. Shockingly, even at popular music festivals like Electric Picnic, youngsters aged 13 to 17 years are denied entry, as per the event’s website, even when they are accompanied by an adult, as it is a strictly 18 and above event.
There are valid reasons for maintaining the existing age restrictions on voting. It’s peculiar that many supporters of reducing the voting age protest against the negative influences teenagers are subjected to, yet seem unconcerned with the idea of 16 and 17 year olds being susceptible to the smooth talk of politicians during election campaigns. Even sophisticated, shrewd media personalities are often duped by the pledges and counter-pledges of politicians offering the world.
What’s the haste in reducing the voting age? Current 16 and 17 year olds have a longer life expectancy and will thus enjoy numerous voting opportunities from the age of 18, more than previous generations who initially could only vote once they turned 21, then later 18. It’s my belief that we should let children enjoy their youth before they transition into adulthood.
Of course, they’ll have to wait until they turn 18 to vote, but this won’t actually deny them of any significant rights, in fact, the anticipation of obtaining certain rights enhances their worth when eventually secured. – Yours, etc,
NOEL HOWARD,
Kilworth,
Co Cork.