Friday, July 18

The United Kingdom has announced that they will lower the eligible voting age to 16 for the next general election in 2029.

The move will expand voting eligibility to include almost 1.6 million 16 and 17-year-old British citizens currently living in the UK, making it a huge move in the country's political landscape. The last time the voting age was reduced was in 1969, when it was brought down from 21 to 18, as many countries did at the time. However, there are only a handful of countries today that allow 16-year-old citizens to vote; among them are Argentina, Austria, Brazil, and Ecuador.

Additionally, in Wales and Scotland, 16 and 17-year-olds are already allowed to vote in elections for local Parliament and other positions, but voting in general elections was not permitted until the age of 18.

The change comes as voter turnout in the UK drops significantly, with turnout in 2024 reaching its lowest point since 2001. Adding a new age range to the elections is expected to raise turnout and likely increase the representation of the country's younger population in the government, which has been hailed and raised concerns.

However, studies in other countries that have taken similar action show that lowering the age range does not have a significant impact on the results, and the addition of younger voters does not necessarily skew the elections. Contrary to popular belief, young voters have a diverse variety of views on politics, and it is extremely unlikely that they would all vote towards one party.

The move has sparked a heated debate among supporters and critics of the idea-- advocates for young voters have pointed out that 16 and 17-year-olds can already pay taxes, drive vehicles, leave home, and work full-time, while others have argued that they are still unable to do various other tasks, like getting married, purchasing a lottery ticket, or buying alcohol.

Nevertheless, the bill still needs to be passed by Parliament, and the next general election does not take place until 2029, giving the country time to adapt to the updated system if the idea makes it through both houses.

Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): There is a company in Japan that has schools that teach you how to be funny. The first one opened in 1982. About 1,000 students take the course each year.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way. (Robert Kiyosaki)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Fugitive (noun, FYOO-juh-tiv) - Fugitive refers to a person who runs away to avoid being captured or arrested.

In a Sentence: The FBI regularly updates and circulates its list of most wanted fugitives, and asks communities where they might be seen to be careful and on the lookout.