The Changing the Age Act

[Dréu Gavárþic'h]

WWHEREAS the author of this bill was a Talossan citizen when he was 14, and

WHEREAS 14 is way too young, and

WHEREAS a more appropriate age for citizenship would be 15, now

THEREFORE be it enacted that Article XVIII, Section 7 of the Organic Law be edited to read:
Children born after 1 January 1989/X, one (or both) of whose biological or adoptive parents is a Talossan citizen at the time of the birth, are native-born Talossan citizens ("Dandelions") and shall automatically have full voting rights when they register themselves with the Minister of Immigration on or after their 15th birthday. Notification shall consist of writing a "What Talossa Means to Me" Essay.

IN ADDITION, be it enacted that Article VII, Section 1 be edited to read:
The Cosâ is the national legislative assembly and is elected by universal popular vote by all adult citizens (age 15 and over).

FURTHERMORE, let it be known that wherever else within both the Organic Law and the statutory law the age of adulthood is recorded as 14 it shall be understood as the age of 15.

HOWEVER, all citizens who will be under the age of 15 years old before the passing of this referendum shall be "grandfathered in" under the old law and shall keep their former legal status.

Uréu q'estadra sa: Alexandreu Gavárþic'h (MC-PP)

[Brad Holmes]

No, on account of the spelling error.

Why Dreu, why?

[Dréu Gavárþic'h]

Glad you asked, I figured an explanation was due.

Well, as a one-time 14-year-old Talossan I realized that 14 is WAY to young for anyone to become a Talossan citizen. Especially with all the adults around. There is no way a 14-year-old can really cope or be asked to cope in that world, and I know that I, along with the other 14-year-olds know that it is very difficult. Look how much trouble I had in just my first two months! I think that is proof enough.

EDIT: This bill is mostly a conversation starter. I personally believe that the age should be moved up, both I'd like to see a consensus on this issue for the most part.

[Sir C. M. Siervicül]

Interesting. I would be open to raising the minimum voting age. Perhaps we should only raise it by one year for now? How many citizens do we currently have under 15 and under 16? Don't forget to also amend Article VII Section 1. And it might also be a good idea to include a clause saying something like "any reference in any other statute to age 14 shall be taken to refer to age 16" (or 15).

[Istefan Lorentzescu]

I personally think The young age for citizenship & participation is a great talossan tradition if im not wrong dating back to KR1. I think that all the Adults around here have the experience and sensabilty to make any allowances for the younger generation.

[Ieremiac'h Ventrutx]

Um... No.

Although I agree SOME Talossans have been too young it has little to do with age and more with their maturity. I have a 10 year old dandelion that would do an excellent job listening and voting, he would need help but his grasp for dealing with older adults and the way the world works ... lets just call it maturity.

Mad King Ben started out young in age but much more mature than many of his school mates with this great Kingdom, his youth was reflected in the beginning aspects and changes (revolutions) of the Kingdom.

Reading through our history ... this was one of the reasons for the creation of the Senate so that even if a bunch of young enthusiastic MC's couldn't do damage to the Kingdom.

If anything lower the age.

[Deleted]

I actually agree with it. Perhaps Sir Cresti is right in that we should only give it a 1 year bump to 15, but I would vote for an increase to 16.

I know many 14 year olds who are very mature and would get along very well. Clearly others know some 10 year olds. We have to draw the line and I don't think 16 is an unreasonable voting age.

I support.

[Capt. Sir Mick Preston]

I believe that the age of 16 years old is a preferable requirement for Citizenship.

[Daniel Filan]

I immigrated even younger than 14, and I've still found it fine here. Also, I am currently under 16 and will be if/when this bill passes.

[Jack Fenton]

Maybe we should ranfather it?

I really didn't have much trouble at all.

[Xhorxh Asmour]

Jul 27, 2009 21:26:01 GMT -6 Ieremiac'h Ventrutx said:

Um... No.

Although I agree SOME Talossans have been too young it has little to do with age and more with their maturity. I have a 10 year old dandelion that would do an excellent job listening and voting, he would need help but his grasp for dealing with older adults and the way the world works ... lets just call it maturity.

We've had a whole bunch of intelligent and mature young fellas who are giving a fine contribution as citizens. I have no problem with 14.

[Sir Alexandreu Davinescu]

It once took someone of fourteen to found the nation, and almost all of the first citizens were of this age. And while you were exhuberant, Dreu, you didn't do any harm and the experience helped make you the valued citizen that you are.

I think we should think very long and hard about this.

[Deleted]

Jul 28, 2009 7:35:32 GMT -6 Sir Alexandreu Davinescu said:

It once took someone of fourteen to found the nation, and almost all of the first citizens were of this age. And while you were exhuberant, Dreu, you didn't do any harm and the experience helped make you the valued citizen that you are.

I think we should think very long and hard about this.

And there were many young men who served in the Navy at age 16 during WW2, does that mean the Navy should lower its enlistment age to 16?

Obviously, we would have to grandfather those in who are already citizens and have voting rights but are under 16. But requiring new citizens to be at least 16 seems like a good progressive move.

[Eðo Grischun]

I like the irony; In Scotland we are trying to reduce the voting age to 14. I am against this bill Drue, sorry.

[Jack Fenton]

I am as well at all meanings of it.