Earning the Vote

[The Architect Of Fate]

1)  Of course age is relevant.  It's not a sure thing, of course.  But a 30 year old is obviously less easily manipulated than a 3 year old.  That's why we both agree on an age criteria, yes?

Consider the demographic of Trump and Brexit voters i'm going to have to question the idea 30 year olds aren't easily manipulated.

2)  I don't know how many would fail to meet the criteria, since the details haven't been set.  Not sure how you work that out either.  But, let's agree that I would stop millions voting.  By setting the age at 18 rather than 16 you do the same.  It seems irrelevant, especially if voting can be harmful as well as good.  The point is that voting isn't neutral.  As your dad found out.  If stopping millions voting prevents great harm then surely that's the best thing to do?

It's very relevant when those millions don't get a say but have to live with the results 

3) Of course there's no simple obvious way to prevent bad choices and manipulation.  But surely we seek to reduce and limit it, yes?  Do we want children and lunatics to vote?  No.  There's no principle disagreement between us, merely a methodological one.  Which method best protects democracy whilst also limiting harm.

Your whole premise is that older people make wise choices and are not easily manipulated while young people are this simply doesn't reflect reality