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Plan of Topic Sentences:
- Young adults need to agitate about the policies that concern them and that affect the world in which they will live in
- Young adults should vote because it protects democratic values. It protects against the “gerontocracy” that could occur if voters becomes increasingly older.
- Rebuttal: Young adults are not mature enough to make wise judgements.. .
- Counter claim: A lower voting age would make it more vital that new citizens become more aware about issues, and about civic life.
Sample plan: 3 body paragraphs
Politicians and policy-makers should lower the voting age in order to promote an interest in civic issues among 16 year olds. The recent examples in Austria and Scotland prove that young adults are keen to participate in the political process if they are afforded the opportunity. (From the Economist: In Scotland, where 16- and 17-year-olds were eligible to vote in the independence referendum in 2014, three-quarters of those who registered turned out on the day, compared with 54% of 18- to 24-year-olds. In 2007 Austria became the only rich country where 16-year-olds could vote in all elections. Turnout rates for under-18s were higher than for 19- to 25-year-olds.)
Furthermore, it is important that there is a sound balance between older and younger participation rates in the political process to ensure a robust democracy. It is increasingly vital that young adults actively participate in their social and political environment because many of the issues such as climate change and pension benefits have a direct influence upon the world in which the younger generation will live in the future. Their participation will guard against the threat of a gerontocracy which will occur if older citizens dominate the political agenda and the democratic process and make decisions in their favour.
On the other hand, politicians may protest against the political rights of 16 year olds. They maintain that they are likely to make uninformed, irresponsible and immature choices. However, it could also be argued that initiating the political process as early as possible will not only set good patterns but will also encourage interest in civic life, which will in turn influence the delivery of civic lessons in the school curriculum. Accordingly, young adults will recognise that they have a very meaningful chance to make a difference.
“Standing up to gerontocracy: A lower voting age would strengthen the voice of the young and signal that their opinions matter. It is they, after all, who will bear the brunt of climate change and service the debt that paid for benefits, such as pensions and health care, of today’s elderly. Voting at 16 would make it easier to initiate new citizens in civic life. Above all, it would help guarantee the supply of young voters needed to preserve the vitality of democracy. Catch them early, and they will grow into better citizens.” Please refer to this excellent article in the Economist regarding the voting age:
http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21716030-young-voters-are-becoming-disillusioned-elections-catch-them-early-and-teach-them-value
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