So 16 year olds will be able to vote. This move in the national elections of Scotland and Wales did not result in much comment. The Conservatives and Ridiculous Parties have pointed out that a 16 year cannot marry, go to war or stand in an election. All actually reasonable comments! I was married at 23 and think that in terms of maturity that was 30 years too soon! Going to war – the universal age should be raised to 80! And regarding the age of election, immature twerks have been elected in the past – physical age does not equal intelligence and maturity. as a teacher I came across many people whom I would consider unfit to vote – and not exclusively students, or their parents but staff as well. The likely turnout of students is low – some predict as low as 5%. Labour will also expand voter recognition – why not just abolish it? The amount of voter fraud is less than negligible. Oh no – my brain has just had another ridiculous thought!
Here goes – why not have a fairly simple form that has to be filled in by candidates. This would be fairly comprehensive and ensure that we know what we are voting for. Say there were 25 questions (could be more or less), covering everything from health, education, policing, defence, pot holes, housing, migration, climate change, whatever.. Candidates would have to give a grade 1-10 (10 highest) – but would onlybe allowed 3 10’s and would have a maximum of e.g. 150 (I have not thought this bit through- maybe an average of 5 per question to avoid jerks saying they care equally about everything) points to allocate. A similar form would be available for voters to see who most represents their views. Voters would still have the ability to chose a different candidate.