this post was submitted on 30 Jul 2023
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Politics

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People mentioned in this article are very old.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 81 Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), 90 President Joe Biden, 80 Former President Donald Trump, 77

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[–] RichardBonham@lemmy.ninja 8 points 1 year ago (10 children)

I would be happy with a voting age of 16, serving in public office at 26 and no voting or serving in public office at 70.

Sixteen year olds have the most skin in the game from the standpoint of having to live with the consequences of election outcomes. Sixteen year olds were allowed to vote in the Scottish independence referendum for exactly this reason.

Full brain maturation (fronto-cortical pruning) is not finalized until 26.

The incidence of cognitive impairment goes up significantly at 70 years old.

[–] NuPNuA@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Why 26? If an 18 year old can work full time, shouldn't they also be able to serve in government. It's not like you have no stake in the social contract until 26.

[–] RichardBonham@lemmy.ninja 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Brain maturation (fronto-cortical pruning) is not complete until 26 years of age.

Ever notice how you can work at 16, vote and be drafted/enlist at 18, drink at 21 but can't rent a car without a co-signer until 26?

Now you know why. Car rental agencies don't study human neurophysiology, but they damn well know there's a difference between people who rent their cars before and after 26.

[–] NuPNuA@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

None of that matters, if an 18 year old has a stake in society by paying taxes, working full time, etc. Then they should have access to the workings of that society if they can get people to vote for them.

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