Comment on Independent MP to push for lowering of Australian voting age
nonentity@sh.itjust.works 1 day agoEligible to vote at 16.
Mandatory at 18.
Votes are then weighted based on age:
Your vote is worth 100% until 20, then decreases 5% at every birthday ending in 0.
The older you get, the less you’re exposed to policy decisions made at the time.
There should also be strict term limits for, and mandatory exclusion and retirement from, elected positions. You can still hold advisory roles, but you shouldn’t be making decisions that affect a population when you’re in the upper 20% band of life expectancy.
dellish@lemmy.world 1 day ago
I agree with weighted voting, but not based on age. I really think your vote should come with a questionnaire that covers current issues and policies. If your answers show you have no clue what’s going on, your vote means less.
nonentity@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
Age and competency aren’t mutually exclusive for weighting. I think age should be a mandatory erosion, but it can be offset with achievements such as academic study or public service.
Over time it diminishes, but slower for those with proven social engagement.
notgold@aussie.zone 18 hours ago
You had me until you said public servant. The public service, specifically Victorian, is just assholes pushing other down for their own benefit; once you’ve been in the public service long enough you become institutionalised and it shows on many many people.