On September 18, 2014 the citizens of Scotland age 16 and
above will be heading to the polls to vote on whether or not they will remain
part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation. The implications from this vote can have long
term and far reaching impacts on Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe.
This vote, some would say, has been in the making for about
300 years. This is the length of time
Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom along with England, Wales, and
Northern Ireland. Over the past three hundred
years, these countries have become dependent on one another economically and
militarily. But many feel the relationship
has run its course and it is time for a change.
If Scotland chooses to become independent, the work and
questions would increase. There would be
many decisions and issues to resolve including what would be their currency, what
to do with the United Kingdom’s national debt, and how Scotland will go about
establishing a national defense.
Additionally, a “yes” vote could be the inspiration to many other groups
to politically fight for their sovereignty, such as the Basque and the French
Canadians.
Recent polls are predicting the vote to be extremely
close. The approximately 6% of undecided
voter will be the deciding factor in the election. What the poll indicates is there are just
about as many people in Scotland who would like to remain a part of the United
Kingdom as those who would like to be independent. The opinions of the people have much to do with
the age of the voters, where in Scotland they live, their education, and
careers. It has been a long a
contentious debate.
What do you think about this vote for Scotland’s
independence? If you were voting, which
way would you vote and why? What are
your thoughts about 16 year olds voting? Do you think the United States should
consider lowering the voting age?
Why?
I would vote yes because Scottland is very capable, and I feel that they can pull this off. The only downside is that Scottland alone doesn't have enough sources of income. I hope that Great Britain will help Scottland get off its feet, and be supportive in the future. I think the voting age at 18 is good where it is because they are old enough to make the right choice, while still young enough to make that difference. 16 is too low to vote.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think that lowering the voting age wouldn't help because even people that are older don't even vote - the voter turnout is only 59%.
DeleteI do not know what I mean because I know that supposedly this has been in the making for about 300 years I however think that this is kind of sudden. I would still vote yes because that is the inner American in me. I believe in rights and freedom. Honestly, it is kind of strange to think of sixteen year olds voting but I think they did it because sixteen year olds are probably influenced into their votes since they have parents that expect them to have the same opinions. I will let them vote how they would like to vote but I do not think that the United States should change its voting age. 18 is a good age to be voting at because it is a taste of adulthood and at 18 you are officially and adult. Plus, their decisions probably won't be as easily swayed because they normally are in college and not living with their parents. However that is just my opinion let Scotland do what they want, after all that is probably why they want to separate from Great Britain, so they can make their own choices.
ReplyDeleteI think the vote for Scotland's independence is great, if I was voting I honestly don't know what I'd vote, just because maybe it would be cool if Scotland was part of the U.K. but some Scottish maybe don't want that, either way I am not Scottish so my vote wouldn't count. I think its great that 16 yr. olds are voting and yes I do think that America should lower the voting age, I think you should have to be 17 or older because 17 yr. olds are mature enough to vote.
ReplyDeleteI think Scotland should not be independent because so far being part of the U.K. has worked. I'm not saying they're not capable of being independent I'm just saying if it has been working why chance it. This would be my vote. 16 is a good voting age but the U.S. should not lower the voting age because some people are mature enough to vote at the age of 12 and others not until they are 20.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this should happen. We are states in a country right? Imagine Idaho becoming a country. It'd be strange. I would vote no. In my opinion I'd would want to be part of a nation. But I know some people would have a different opinion, which is okay. I also think that 16 year olds shouldn't be voting because they might make a stupid decision because of how young they are. Yes, I think the U.S. should lower the voting age in Scotland so at least most of the votes would have sense.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland should not be independent because now we know that the vote was that Scotland will still be part of Great Britain. I think that it is cool that 16 and 17 year young got to vote. The reason that the 16 and 17 year young people voted was because they are the future of Scotland.
ReplyDeleteI think that the vote was necessary because they had been thinking about for about 300 years and it is good to take action now. I would vote yes for Scottish independence. Scotland can survive on their own, because they are a good community. People could move there without having to be part of the United Kingdom. Scotland can make their own decisions in politics and economics. I don't think that it's right that 16 year olds are voting because their mind hasn't fully developed yet and that means that they can't really make intelligent decisions on their own. They might vote for stupid reasons. For this reason, the US should not consider lower their voting age. 18 is a good age for voting because that gives them a few years to learn about the world around them.
ReplyDeleteI do think that Scotland should be independent because they needed to have a change and they would do well on their own.I do think that the vote was necessary though because they people who live there will have they best idea on weather Scotland is ready to become a developing country and break away from the U.K. The people who live there is also the people who it will effect so they need to have the biggest "voice". I do not think that having people eligible to vote at sixteen is a good idea. I think that sixteen year old might not have as much knowledge about the topic as people who are eighteen might have. Stating this, I do not think that the United States should change it's voting age any lower than it already is.
ReplyDeleteIf you have read the paper then you know that Scotland is NOT becoming an independent country. I would say nay because I dont think they are capable of being on their own. I think the voting age should stay the same because,like what Meg said a 16 year old might not have as much knowledge about voting as an 18 tear old might have. Therefore the voting age should stay as is.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland should have voted to be a free country, because despite all the problems that were to show up, I think that they would have done really well. Scotland is pretty big, and it has a large population. I believe they would have really thrived as an independent nation. I probably would have voted yes. As for 16 year olds voting, I would not recommend it. In my opinion, they are just too young. They would probably vote without knowing all the facts, and just vote on who they like the best. Because of this, I do not think the should consider lowering the age in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland should be their own free country because they have being doing really well with the problems. The way I would vote is I will choose for Scotland be their own country and they deserve it and also they have a large population. Lowering the voting age in the U.S because 16 is pretty young to vote I think it should stay at 18 because you are more responsible.
ReplyDeleteSo now that Scotland has voted I think their decision was good because if they had decided to become and independent country they would have had so many problems with currency and military that they would regret their decision. I would have voted no because like I said it would be difficult for the country afterwards. Lowering the voting age in America. Now in Scotland a lower voting age could be good or bad depending on the people who live there and what they think.
ReplyDeleteThe vote was a good Idea they was a big problem between United Kingdom and Scotland. I think think that the voting went the wrong way though. If Scotland wants it so bad that they will fight for it than let them have it. I'm not saying this would have happened but if they would of left it the same because they want it so bad and there country falls that their fault. I really don't understand why United Kingdom wants it so bad because they would have to spend all extra money on Scotland. I think its a great idea to lower the age for voting, but it depends on where they are lowering the age because if it was in China they mostly have older people so it would kind of be useless to lower the age. I really think they should lower the age here because people like me are excited to vote and I think it would be awesome to vote. If you get your drivers license at 16 which means your responsible for a car you should be responsible enough to vote.
ReplyDeleteI think the vote is a good idea some want to be independent so they are speaking up for it. I think I would vote for Independence cause I would feel like my country is owned by someone else and I wasn't really free. I think it's smart to have 16 year olds vote because they are part of the country too and I think they would know if they wanted to be independent or not. I think the United should consider changing the voting age but not by a lot. Most 16 and 17 year olds know what they want or like about the country. I think they should have the right to vote too.
ReplyDeleteScotland was a little crazy for thinking they could be independent. They have been relying in Britain for so long that they would have come crying back to them for help and they would have been rejected. I would have voted no because I wouldn't of had any faith in the new government of a just developing country with a lot of other countries they could easily over take them. I don't think that 16 year old's should be allowed to vote because when your 16 you don't really have a big say in anything in the first place and then put all that responsibility into them, that's a bad idea all around. I think we should keep the voting age the same because you are at the beginning of you're adult hood and you're going to collage alone and have a lot more you have to think about and have to be on the ball.
ReplyDeleteIf I were voting for Scotland's Independence I would vote yes be Scotland seems like they would be able to sustain independence. I think it it cool that they have 16 year old voting because it encourages voting. I also think the U.S should consider lowering the voting age because then more people would vote benefiting everyone.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this will leave Scotland in such huge amounts of debt that getting independence is really not worth it. I would vote no, obviously stating above, that the money issues are just too great. As long as the sixteen year olds are educated, they deserve to be a part of the votes. If the US were to lower the voting age I wouldn't even care because my age would probably not be involved and again, as long as everyopne's educated.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland should have voted yes because it seems like Scotland would be fine on their own. I t sounds like they would be in debt but not too much.Plus, they didn't even have to fight a war.I think 16 is too young to be voting because at 18 you've gone all the way through high school and have matured more than sixteen year olds.
ReplyDeleteI think Scotland shouldn't have have voted because I personally would want to stay somewhere with a great military force so I wouldn't need to worry about being taken over. If I were voting I would vote to stay with the U.K because it is a place that is strong and has a lot of allies. I do not think 16 year olds should vote because personally I would want one of my brothers friends having that much power. I don't think the US should lower the voting age because I wouldn't trust the 16 year olds in this country to have a say.
ReplyDeleteI would say yes because scottland should be indipendent. They can handle being on their own and i thing they should rise the voting age because 16 year old arent capable of voting in my opinion
ReplyDeleteI think that this vote for Scotland's independence is important because the people need to know that, whatever the vote is, it is what the majority wants. I honestly don't know what I would vote if I was in that situation. I guess that, because I am not living in that country, I do not know NEARLY as much as I should. I do not agree with the fact that a person who is 16 should be allowed to vote, I would not trust them with the fate of the country. Sixteen is just to young in my opinion. I do not think that they are incapable of making good decisions, just that some are to big to make.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that it is a good idea for Scotland to have some independence. If I were voting, yes, I probably would vote Scotland be free from the British empire. I think that a sixteen year old would be too stupid to think about who our countries president should be, so the United States should not even think about it.
ReplyDeleteI think that I would vote yes because Scotland is strong enough to run on their own. They have been leaning on the UK for so long that I'm sure that they would be able to regulate on their own because they have learned how to govern their country by the UK. Many countries such as the US and Ireland have separated from the UK and are doing very good as independent countries. Because of this I think that Scotland could also be an independant country. However, I think that some people do this because they want to say that they are part of an independent country and don't think about the possible effects it could make on their country. In regards to the issue about 16 year olds voting, I don't think that was a good choice on the UK's part. I think that 16 year olds are just too young to understand the possible effects that they could create on the global economy. I think that 16 year olds should get respect, but if you think about it that would be sophomores voting, which I do not think is smart. Because of this, I think that the US should keep the voting system just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Scotland would be financially capable. I am not hatting on the Scottish or anything but through money transfer, rebuilding finial info structures and creating defense mechanisms I think that they would be bankrupt in no time. I think that voting when you are sixteen is a bad idea. The frontal lobe - the decision making part of your brain-of the brain isn't fully developed until 21, so when you are a teen you tend to make more rash decisions. Therefor when a teen you may make or break the government, if able to vote. No as I explained above I think it is a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI think Scotlands vote for independence was good becuase they got the oppurtunity whether they wanted to govern by Great Britian or be their own country. If I was voting I would say no because they would have to come up with their own money and also they wouldnt even have a military. I think 16 year olds voting is a bad idea because there still to young. They could be pressured into doing it because they may not know what there voting for and to being pressured in voting for what they don't want. No the U.S should not lower it. Keep it at 18 still unless you join or are drafted into the military services,you should have the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great that Scotland is voting for their independence, because it is showing that they have a choice. I would vote yes, because Scotland and England are in 2 different regions and have two different cultures, but I am a USA citizen and don't think that I have the right to say yes or no.. I think that it is good that Scotland is letting 16 year olds vote, because it is giving them a chance to have a voice in this world, but I think that they are to young to vote. I think that the USA should keep the voting age, because when you turn 18 ou are an adult and adults can vote with responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI think voting for Scotland's independence was a wise choice. I think Scotland should break away from being governed by Great Britain and stand up for its independence. I think 16 year olds should not be allowed to vote because they aren't responsible enough to know what is best for their country .
ReplyDeleteIt could honestly go both ways and I think both sides deserve a chance, yeah I know you can't keep moving in and out of unions very often but if you think about the pro's and con's of either idea, most people would be stuck in the middle. But for me personally, I would vote no. The UK is united, it's in the first name and a part breaking off only does good for some people. Looking at a different perspective, a larger one could change someone's opinion on this whole thing, and that is what everyone should consider doing. If a 16 year old has knowledge of what is going on in the world and has a strong, educated opinion on it, they should be able to vote. I think the U.S. should keep the voting age at 18, because that is what it has been and even if some are educated, most aren't so crazy about the newest political news, and would most likely vote the same as their parents did.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good they are doing this it will show them if the citizens are happy with the United kingdoms or not. I would vote yes because everyone deserves independence if they really want it. 16 is to low because kids that age are to reckless and immature to vote.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think that it was a good try to give Scotland a chance to get there independence..I would vote yes because I think that Scotland should be and that they missed the chance to get it. I think that only 18 year old people should vote. No because the teenagers are not mature enough to vote for who is in office.
ReplyDeleteI think that voting for there independence was a good idea. I would vote yes because I think that every country deserves independence if the they want it and I also think if they struggle really bad and they can't do it then they could go back and be part of England again. My thoughts about 16 year old voting is that it is to young to be voting because they do not fully understand it quite yet and the are not mature enough. I also don't think the age should be lowered.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland should not have independence but I think that it is good they are having one. I would say no because Scotland and Britain are like brothers; they rely on each-other for economy and military and it has worked out well. I don't think sixteen-year-old people should vote because in my opinion they are too young and might not care about what they are choosing. Thus I would say no to a lower voting age.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Scotland should become and independent country because I don't think they would be able too. They would probably go bankrupt. I would've voted no. Why ruin a good thing? I don't think 16 year old's should be voting. They're young teens and tend to make rash decisions. No because of the reasons I stated above.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great. I would vote yes it should become an Independent country because Last year Scotland gave 5800 more in tax for each person that the UK normally gets. Scotland would have been 58.3 billion better off as an independent country over the past 5 years. Then again They have 240$ in debt and the lowest unemployment rate in the UK. I think that 16 year old shouldn't vote because Scots who live outside the country can't vote so why should teenagers vote? Most teenagers are a little immature or they don't know anything about this.
ReplyDeleteI think that Scotland trying to gain independence is a step that needs to be taken if the people feel that it's right. I don't really know much about the economics, or political references, but if the people want to become independent - then I think they have every right to be! I don't know too much about this situation, so I probably wouldn't vote. Though, if I had to, I'd probably vote NO. Again, I don't know much about this situation, I think that the Scots seem fairly unprepared to undergo a huge change like this. If Scotland gets things very organized, and the people want to break off, then I think would be the proper time to do so.
ReplyDeleteBeing a kid myself, my response makes me sound like I'm a SUPER MATURE kid or something along those lines, which I'm not saying that I'm not mature, but you get the point.
Anway, I think that voting at 16 seems pretty young to be voting, people at that age don't seem to know much in depth about their countries economics, and the ways that the country should run. Though, if the kids are being informed at an early age, then I think 17-18 would be a reasonable age, especially because they WILL be informed during school. (Later on!)
I don't think that the U.S. should drop their voting age, mainly for the reasons listed above. I also don't know if younger kids have an understanding of the principals of which a country was formed, so this also shows a valid point.
I don't think that scotland could handle being independence. I would vote no, because they wouldn't be able to fight for themselves ad have a big enough army to win wars that coud possably fall upon them. 16 year olds should not vote because they don;t have the maturity tht a 18 year old has. 16 year olds would just listen to what their buddies would say and not thinkk deep into wat would happen if your vot e could change something. Also 16 year olds can't handle that much pressure behind them. No, because like everything I said above. If we even lower the age to 17 I don't think that 17 year olds have enough mature in them even because some are really stupid and don't know what they are doing when they vote. Their vote could change a lot even if they are just making a check mrk in a box.
ReplyDeleteI think that the vote for Scotland's independence was unnecessary because even if they did vote yes, the whole government would have to be reworked. They would have to create a new money system and I think in the long run, Scotland's independence is a bad idea. If I were voting I would probably vote no unless I had confidence in the leader and I believed they could manage the country. I think that 16 year olds voting is too young and I think that sometimes 18 is too young. Most 16 year olds who go in there and vote don't do their research and maybe end up voting for the wrong person. In America I think that 18 is a good age because that is when teens are considered "adults".
ReplyDelete