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Claudia Yip

Jeffrey Wong

Each week our two teenagers debate a hot topic. This week ...
Jeffrey Wong, 19, Diocesan Boys' School
Democracy  has proved popular around the globe. Most countries  grant voting rights to  individuals aged 18 or above. Yet, some people have called for the lowering of the voting age. In Taiwan,  it has been proposed that the voting age be lowered to 16.
I support such a decision.
We have gone through several stages in the development of democracy.  Universal suffrage was first introduced in the 18th century.
Then there was the United Kingdom's first Reform Act of 1832, which gave some people the right to vote.
Now, it's time to  go one step further.
Why can't the opinions of young people be recognised?  Many social issues have much to do with youngsters. For example, education, juvenile crime and provision of leisure facilities. They deserve a say in the policy-making process.
Moreover, schools conduct  student elections. So I see no reason why students should be denied the right to vote.
Voting is a reflection of the culture of democracy. It has to be firmly established among the public. Their participation  determines the fate of democracy.  Some youth are politically indifferent.  This is partly due to the fact that they don't have an opportunity to vote at a younger age. Perhaps granting early voting rights to them  will allow democracy to take root in their minds.
Let's give it a try. Make young people the players, not spectators.
Claudia Yip, 17, Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School
In Hong Kong, there is an age  when a person can exercise  their  rights, including voting.  This has been set at 18 not only in our city, but also most countries around the world.  So I don't  think it's necessary to lower the voting age.
By  18, a person is believed to be independent and mature enough to be responsible for his or her own actions. Beforehand,  they should be acquiring knowledge  about politics in order to vote sensibly in the future. For example, they can attend talks given by leaders and  take courses on politics.  This way, they will learn to analyse policies  and cast their votes  wisely.
Lowering the voting age will lead to a slippery slope where people will ask  the government to lower the legal age for drinking or buying alcoholic beverages  or cigarettes. It's definitely not a favourable situation.
The under-18s  can still contribute to Hong Kong's political development by voicing their opinions.
Organisations, such as the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, have urged young people to discuss problems faced by the community and suggest solutions.
The needs of young people are not being ignored.  There are parents voting for the welfare of their children  and educators keeping an eye on educational affairs. There's no desperate need for under-18s to vote.
Therefore, the voting age should not be lowered and all people should exercise  their right to vote responsibly.



Should the voting age be lowered?