No tax, no vote
Discussion statements | This is for ages 14 to 16
In many countries, people under 18 already pay tax, for example on part-time jobs, shopping or online purchases. However, they do not have a say in how that tax money is spent, because they cannot vote.
Some people argue this is unfair, while others say voting should depend on age, not tax.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement below? Explain why.
If you are required to pay tax in a country, you should also have the right to vote on how that money is used.
Tell us what you think
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I agree / disagree with this statement because [your reason]. Another reason for my view is [a second reason or example]. However, others might argue that [an opposite view].
Make sure you read the comments from other Topical Talkers to see whether you agree or disagree with them.
Comments (72)
I agree with this statement because young people can also have a rational thinking mind. Sure people argue on the fact that they can easily be manipulated whether its by a family member, online community or people in general. They can make their own opinions too. Some young people who works could be the breadwinners in their family. They work hard to fulfill their family's necessities. Which is why they should have a right to vote on how that moneys going to be used. They clearly have experienced enough to have opinions of their own so why should they get a chance to vote.
I agree because as breadwinners of the family you work to help the family and their is a level of maturity that helps you make wise decisions to help both in the families growth and even for the country. So if they pay taxes due to the work they do and do not have a say then it is unfair because they do not suggest on how the money is spent to improve the country.
Well, I honestly disagree with this statement. Young people can be the breadwinners of their family, but that does not mean they are fully qualified to make their vote. A vote does not only determine how money is spent, but it also affects multiple factors in a country. That is what we need to first understand. I can agree that a young one who works for the family might have opinions on how his taxes should be used, but in alignment with these opinions, he would have to consider the pros and cons of the person he wants to vote for. This is why I have to disagree. A young person is mainly gifted with the aspect of focusing on one main task, making him or her prone to the mistake of shortsighted voting. Imagine a scenario whereby a campaign promises something, only to win voters over, but when they get elected, they will not do it. A young person could simply fall for that trap because they were only focused on the monetary aspect of a campaign and completely forgot about the rest. This is where I believe maturity should come into play. Underage voters should rather be assessed, and only when they pass should they be allowed to vote. This simple act could help to really understand whether they are politically mature and ready to take charge for the tax that they pay.
THANK YOU.
I agree with this statement because if the government decides to let youth below 18 vote, they should be able to accept the fact that those young people should be allowed to vote too. Imagine being in a classroom and there is a class contribution and the money is going to the teachers and only they are allowed to decide how the money is being spent and a while later, you discover that the teachers took themselves out or kept the money for themselves and barely kept anything for the contributors. Well this is exactly what is happening in places were young people are allowed to pay tax but are not allowed to vote. Even though not all of our opinions may be winners, we still deserve to be heard.
By my conclusion of this, I will not fail to mention the fact that young people have to be taught and more informed about to happenings in politics and our environment from an early stage.
Hi, topical talkers. In my opinion, I feel that whoever is required to pay tax should also be able to vote as it involves the usage of their money for government spending. We could all agree that the act of allowing everyone to be taxed shows a level of fairness to all earners; and through this, nobody should be hindered from having a say on how decisions are made, particularly when such decisions affect them directly, through their contributions to the society.
I agree with this statement because if the government decides to let youth below 18 vote, they should be able to accept the fact that those young people should be allowed to vote too. Imagine being in a classroom and there is a class contribution and the money is going to the teachers and only they are allowed to decide how the money is being spent and a while later, you discover that the teachers took themselves out or kept the money for themselves and barely kept anything for the contributors. Well this is exactly what is happening in places were young people are allowed to pay tax but are not allowed to vote. Even though not all of our opinions may be winners, we still deserve to be heard.
By my conclusion of this, I will not fail to mention the fact that young people have to be taught and more informed about to happenings in politics and our environment from an early stage.
I understand your point, but I disagree with the idea that paying tax should automatically give young people a right to vote.
Firstly, voting is based on maturity, knowledge, and experience to make informed decisions. Many young people below eighteen are still learning these skills and are yet to fully understand how the government works, which could lead to votes based on emotion or peer influence rather than facts.
Secondly, age is used as a guideline for a reason. The age limit is not only about money but also responsibility and maturity. When someone turns 18 they can join the military, and be held fully responsible for the decisions they make. Voting is another major responsibility, and it should be given when a person is legally considered an adult.
However, I agree that young people should be educated about politics and voting. They can participate in debates, volunteer, and learn how government works, but voting should remain for those who are mature enough to understand its consequences.
So, while the idea o "no tax, no vote" sounds fair, voting should depend on age and maturity, not only on paying taxes.
I understand where you are aiming at and I respect the fact that you think that paying tax should not automatically give young people a right to vote, but even at that they still more than deserve to be heard. In your second paragragh, I believe I have already replied to that in my last paragraph were I mentioned that young people need to be taught more about politics and government and how it works at an early stage.
Also, in your third paragraph, I totally disagree because it doesn't sound right to let someone bear the stress and responsibility at war but yet does not have a say in the country's affairs because I recall that the UK is the only European country to routinely send under 18s into armed conflict situations.
And lastly in your last sentence, you noted out that voting should depend on age and maturity, well as for me, I belive age is just a number because there are many diligent under 18s that pay tax, but don't have a say in the country's affairs while there are many adults that don't earn enough income to pay tax but still have the right to vote. This is why I wholly stand for the topic "No Tax, No Vote".
I agree to this statement because if young people are already earning then they can also vote. Everyone has the right to choose even young people like us. We shouldn't easily let anyone manipulate or bride us to change our opinion. It is what we see in that in that specific candidate that encourages us to vote for him/her. So in essence what I am trying to say is everything we do in life is a choice we make including our voting choice. Thank You.
I disagree with this statement because, although they earned the money fairly and square, their vote will increase political engagement and make the government more accountable to all taxpayers, irrespective of age, and also give them a sense of civic responsibility.
However Voting is not only about money, but rather it is about making decisions that affect the country as a whole. It requires the voter to understand complex political issues and make informed, well-grounded decisions. Furthermore, if voting were tied to tax payments, it could lead to impulsive voting among the younger generation and increased chaos.
In conclusion, while it seems fair that it is their money being used, I just feel that voting should be left in the hands of more mature and experienced individuals to prevent impulsive votes.
Hi Friendly Information, my name is Radhika and I work at KPMG. It's great to see your comments! I want to explore your comment that 'voting should be left in the hands of more mature and experienced individuals'. What do you think about the argument that younger people are more affected by the decisions that politicians make because they have more of their lives ahead of them, and therefore they should be allowed to choose who those politicians are? If younger people will live longer than older people, then should they have more of a say in deciding who the decision-makers are? I'd be keen to hear your views!
You raise a strong point there. Honestly I feel that younger people are often more affected by political choices because they live longer.
But the main challenge is whether having more at stake should equate to having more voting power, some younger citizens pay higher amount of taxes than some older citizens, but that doesn't mean that they are ready to vote. I see democracy as a government that needs good and fair judgement, experience and equality. Older voters may contribute from what they learnt from past elections that they attended, how the results affected the economy, security and so much more that they had live experience for. But at the same time the idea of them having a shorter time to experience the consequences of their votes raises difficult questions about legitimacy. Like imagine an old man who grew up in a communist society trying to adjust to a democratic system, he might make decisions from a communist's mind but not from a democrat's mind, but if someone like that were out there then that means that they have not learnt from their country's change of government and can not change there ideology. But those who learnt from past mistakes will be better to make well informed decisions so that past mistakes do not occur again and they can teach the younger generation. So while being responsible enough to pay tax should equate to vote for some people, we have to remember that the tax is their contribution to their country, and voting is a decision that should be well informed.
I agree with this statement because it will be unfair for any individual to pay tax and not vote because out of the money you have earned, you then make a sacrifice for the betterment of your country and should be allowed to vote. This money used to pay tax were all from the work that individual did and was rewarded, this gives an individual a right to at least suggest the way the money should be spent. Imagine paying for a good and not getting to at least stating the good you want, this to me is not fair and is the as same for those who pay tax and can't vote.
However others may argue that they may not have experience, but I think that they should be allowed to vote to and bring in new ideas that government may not even think of.
I totally agree with this statement because what I see in my country, Egypt is so terrible. people who are under 18 do not have the right to vote in elections yet most of them are working and paying their taxes. People in universities (16-17) in Egypt work to take money and give the fees of their college and also to help their families however they do not vote in the elections because it is forbidden. Does this make sense?
People who are not allowed to share their vote in the elections have responsibilities so that they must have the rights to vote to increase their salary or change a law or a governor or even to change a president.
Another reason is that every age group specially the 16 to 17-year-old has its own perspectives, ideas and visions that benefit the society. Every group has its own unique experiences and insights, and this can do a major impact on their life and the elections itself moreover this will help in choosing the correct choice. This also can increase diversity. In Germany, in 2024, people from age 16 to 17 shared in large campaigns to solve the environmental problem, climate change. This actually added pressure on the German government and started to use renewable energy to decrease the disastrous calamity.
To conclude, it is the right for people under 18 to participate in the elections and to add more and new young perspectives.
You make a clear argument, especially by connecting voting rights to real responsibilities like work and paying taxes. How might opponents respond to the idea of lowering the voting age?
I disagree with this statement.
Taxes are for the government to spend on the country, and to help better its public works, (schools, hospitals, etc…). It’s also the governments job to continuously be aware of less-heard about issues and matters, and to contribute funding to solve them. Here’s the first problem with having people vote on their taxes. Because there are less popular problems that are still pressing, they may be overlooked because the main public may not be informed of said issue and push it aside. Like for example in Canada lots of our indigenous communities did not have proper drinking water due to neglect from the government. If the general public votes on their taxes money, they may not make informed decisions about where it goes, because the governments job is to be unbiased, and decide where it goes, whereas the public is quite bias. Not only this, but plenty of young adults would be voting as well, and while some young adults are mature and like to stay informed on situations, there are plenty who would still be naive and vote on whatever seems best in their eyes, not whatever is actually best. As such, the results from uninformed voting procedures, would lead to matters like the indigenous communities water, becoming worse and worse over a period of neglect. This isn’t safe for the citizens, nor is it safe for the country. As a final issue example, there’s also the possibility people outside the government could begin persuading the public to vote on things they see fit, and manipulate the public to their whims.
Great thinking and examples here – well done!
I agree that it is unfair that people under 18 pay tax but cannot vote. If young people are contributing money to the government through taxes on part-time jobs, shopping, or online purchases, they should have some say in how that money is used. Paying tax means taking responsibility, so it makes sense that responsibility should come with a voice.
However, I also understand why some people believe voting should depend on age. Voting requires maturity and understanding of political issues, and not everyone under 18 may be ready for that. Age is an easy and fair rule that applies to everyone equally.
Overall, I believe the system could be improved. Either young people who pay tax should have limited voting rights, or governments should reduce how much tax under-18s pay. This would make the system feel more fair and balanced.
Taxes are mandatory payments to various levels of government to fund public services, infrastructure, and welfare programs.
In my opinion, individuals who are required to pay taxes should have the legal right to vote for government officials who decide how taxpaying dollars are used. In the United States, some of the most recent legislation by the current administration has been putting tax dollars towards the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For the Democratic political party, young individuals below the voting age who identify with its principles and pay taxes are left with few options, such as calling an elected official in Congress, to oppose and advocate for alternative spending methods. Another reason for my view is regarding the principles of the American Revolution: "No taxation without representation," which directly attacked the colonial government for imposing taxes without representing the American colonies in Parliament for the sake of the money supply. In a modern context, a government built by the people, for the people, should be one in which a taxpaying individual is represented.
However, as discussed in another topic, many concerns regarding age and maturity are brought up. An individual's maturity and their age can differ depending on their upbringing, current situation, and ideals that have influenced their beliefs, which means separate guidelines should be enacted to resolve said concerns.
Thus, taxing people should mean they have the right to vote for wealth distribution.
This argument is well thought out and the historical context is interesting. Do you think paying smaller taxes such as online shopping and tourists who are buying souvenirs and often paying a tax should be given the right to vote for where that money goes, or does there need to be some form or threshold/requirement entitling the right to vote? Such as paying income tax or a certain amount paid in taxes over a year to be eligible?
Hello! Thank you for your reply! I now realize that I should've been more specific when referring to which types of taxes. For an individual to have the right to vote, the tax should be in sectors such as income or property, which are more commonly paid by residents of a nation at a higher cost, meaning there should be a form requirement in the quantity and the category of the tax for it to have a greater influence on societal improvements. This also means the taxes should be paid for a specific amount of time as well. Thank you again for your questions which allowed me to broaden my perspective!
if people are required to pay taxes than I think its fair if they also have a right to vote on how that money will be used. Because after all, it's our money. We are contributing on better hospitals, infrastructure, public transportation, health care and much more. Being told to "pay up" but then having zero voice in decision making is unfair. I live in Indonesia, a democratic country, but it's not uncommon for me to see these types of problems. democracy is supposed to mean that peoples opinions and voices are heard and taken seriously. and if you are forced to contribute money but not allowed to vote that's not really a democracy anymore, that's just control. Voting is how people say what matters to them and without that, it means the government is making decisions FOR us and not WITH us. I think that paying taxes have to come with a vote, because democracy only works when the people that's contributing in it have a say. And actually history supports this idea, because one of the strongest democratic principles came from a protest called "taxation without representation" where people argued that it was unfair to be taxed with a government that did not represent them, and until now this idea still matters.
I agree with you, but I’d like to add some points of my own to deepen the discussion.
When you vote a government into place, you are putting your trust in their decisions. You are getting a say in the country’s affairs, and arguably are making decisions WITH the government when you do that. Not only this, but the public can often be mis-informed or mis-led. If we were to allow people to vote every decision the government makes, it would cause social divides. It’s like what we see in the US with Liberal V Republicans. It’s the social divides and stereotypes surrounding people with opposite views in highly argued votes, one side will end up angry. The social divides would separate the country, effectively allowing these groups to be manipulated. A country is stronger as a whole, and when separated, leaders will likely rise up to lead these peoples opinions, this dividing the country. This literally undermines the governments power, and reduces the use for one, to almost nil.
As a second example, the time of processing issues will are ten times longer. In serious crises, the government needs to be able to respond quickly, but when everyone has to vote for anything to happen, it takes way too long and the issue may be too long past by then. Not only this, but again in heated situations it’s difficult for the government to make a choice because they have to go off majority, despite which side is truly correct.
The government has the best interests of its people at heart, and needs to be trusted to make its own decisions. If we undermine that power, it causes conflict.
I strongly agree with when task is paid, a political result is expected to be forwarded to avoid mistreat.
How can a citizen of a country struggle each day to earn a living without the economic help of the governments and in turn forced to pay certain task without the leaders fulfilling the human rights as imposed to the constitution of that country.
In my country here, a good number of imposters alongside the government agencies loiters around the whole state illegally to ask for a payment of task which most governors end up spending for their personal needs without fulfilling the oat he has sworn before he got to such position.
Before the campaign held back then, the presidential election has just caused the death of some young people and as well the increase in the price of goods and commodities. This shows that the voice of voters is not literally needed in most voting since corruption and deliberate illegal actions have been introduced to the country, so why will the citizens keep spending for the welfare of a static undeveloped country.
In suggestion, since the need for voting is lacked and they are all forms of mistreat and inequality without an aide to the constitution, it would be necessary to bound all forms of task because when the citizen hardly feed well in their country and the leaders tends to be the ones enjoying, all thing should be made equal, legal vote with payment of task or no vote no task.
voting should always be backed up with a positive change to the citizen and not the other way round, in order to live in a peaceful economy that moves smoothly
I disagree because if people play tax they should have the right to know where there money ends up. If they are already in a part time job and need to think about themselves . If young people have a good argument they should be able to feely vote with the older people. They can also listen to the older peoples arguments and it can help stretch there brains. If there was a 16 year old who is struggling with money they can vote and make everything fair for themselves and others.
I agree to this statement because youths, irrespective of their age still know what is best for them because they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Also as far as they have the tendency to be influenced by peers and social media but they also have sound thinking even more than so grown-ups this would also help the future politicians, to have slightly advanced knowledge of politics even before going into it.
Youths contribution to politics, no matter how small can go a long way in shaping the country into a better place and denying youths of their contribution can lead to a level of regrettable ignorance.
Also, through youths contribution to how the vote on how the money is used can lead to increase in critical thinking and problem solving of the youths.
Thanks.
I agree with this statement because if we pay taxes, we must have a say in how taxes work. Here in Egypt thankfully we don't have the right to talk or any of that talk about democracy. In addition, after we had those group of terrorists called Muslim Brothers controlling our country after defeating them, we started slowly to turn much like north Korea in democracy. We never have a say in how our money. Does that seem like logic? Does it seem fair? I don't think so.
The whole point of taxes is taking some of your money to improve your life then what when it doesn't do so. Here in Egypt also my mother and father pay taxes like every citizen in Egypt but that improves nothing. Water keeps cutting and in summer electricity cut every day, so I ask that we should decide how our taxes are used and action is made not like they do with adults they say we will do but they don't.
A very interesting and engaging topic we have right here. Well, I'm proudly supporting the motion that allows you to vote since you are required to pay tax in your country. Young people are people who are very curious and interested in knowing why they are made to do certain things. And if we are required to pay tax in our country, we would also want to have a say on how the money should be spent. Different people have various perspectives on how they feel the money should be spent. Some might want the money to be channelled to healthcare or education or housing or even AI. All these reasons arise according to that citizens current need.
So I strongly believe we should have a say on how we think our taxes should be spent in order not to let the government waste it on irrelevant things.
I agree to this post because, I believe that many young people all around the world pay taxes so why then are not allowed to vote? In my country Nigeria, the federal government has implemented a new tax rule on money transfers (Electronic Money Transfer Levy). The federal government did not give the range in which the tax is applicable to, instead it is to every account holder irrespective of their ages.
I am from Nigeria and it is a democratic nation which from my civic education classes it is a system of government by the whole population, or government of the people, by the people and for the people. I personally believe that many young people pay taxes in one way or the other, so why then are we not allowed to vote nor to be part of how our taxes are being used. I personally believe that a democratic nation should involve all its citizens whether minors and adults. For instance in a society, residence of a particular location decide to contribute some money for all there good and it is then given to the head of the locality and then the he or she decides to do what they feel they wants to do with the money leaving nothing for the residence of the place. I believe that it will not be fair to those that have contributed the money. Although many may say that minors are not experienced in politics and the news, but I feel if they have the power to generate taxes then they can also vote.
In conclusion, I believe that minors should have a say to how taxes are spent through voting.
I completely agree with this statement because here in Egypt, there are people who are under 15 who work hard to earn money and support their family. They are also asked to pay tax. However, they can't vote in how this money is used. Is that fair? How would you feel if you worked really hard and your work was in vain? These people show every day that carrying responsibility is not about how many years you have lived, "age".
Another reason for my view is that voting should be allowed for everyone in the society because young people are also there, not transparent objects. Young people could suggest ideas that old people can't think of them. This doesn't mean that old people are not creative. Naturally, every person has his\her OWN way of thinking and this is why it is very important to hear from different people. When many people collaborate to vote and hear each other, they can reach a fair decision.
In math, we learned how to create a questionnaire. The questions should be asked to a sample of people that are different ages, different genders and are in different places. And the data collected from different people is said to be "representative of the whole population".
However, others might argue that young people are easily influenced by what is seen on social media and stereotypes. I totally agree with them but that doesn't mean the country should ignore them. If they are ignored, these stereotypes will be hard to be changed in the future.
Hello, lovely_fruit,
I understand your point, but I disagree with the idea that paying tax should automatically give someone the right to vote. Voting isn’t just about responsibility; it also requires understanding long-term consequences, which usually comes with age and experience.
A 15-year-old might work and pay tax, which is impressive. But voting isn’t just about what feels fair now. It involves decisions about foreign policy, national debt, and laws that affect the country later. That’s like letting someone choose the school timetable just because they helped clean.
I agree with one point you made: young people can have ideas adults overlook, especially about education and transport.
In statistics, we don’t just choose any sample; we choose one that understands the question. If someone doesn’t understand how government decisions work, their vote might not be informed.
I agree that young people have creative ideas, but creativity alone doesn’t always lead to good decisions. Experience helps people see patterns, like why some laws failed.
Social media is a big problem. Younger people spend more time online, where opinions spread fast and facts spread slowly. If voting follows trends instead of thinking, democracy becomes noisy instead of fair.
Even though it feels unfair that some young people pay tax without voting, I think voting should depend on readiness and understanding, not just money. Teaching politics earlier in schools might be better, so when young people vote, they’re prepared.
I totally agree with this statement. Life is always about duties and rights.If i have to pay taxes for many things I'm doing in my country including shopping and part-timejobs,I should also have the right to vote to select people representing me and talking about my rights.I must havea say in how this money collected from me is spent.I need to make sure that this money is wisely and the way I think I will be fine with so that when taxes are collect,I will fine with this.If my duties include paying taxes then my rights should be knowing where this money is going to be spent and making sure that is is wisely invested in my country.
I totally agree with this statement. Life is always about duties and rights.If i have to pay taxes for many things I'm doing in my country including shopping and part-timejobs,I should also have the right to vote to select people representing me and talking about my rights.I must havea say in how this money collected from me is spent.I need to make sure that this money is wisely and the way I think I will be fine with so that when taxes are collect,I will fine with this.If my duties include paying taxes then my rights should be knowing where this money is going to be spent and making sure that is is wisely invested in my country.
I disagree with this statement because I believe it's the governments role to spend tax money since that's what they are trained and qualified to do. Another reason for my view is if we had the option to decide how tax money was spent then some people would probably make some unreasonable choices. However others could say that if people are decided as old enough to pay the bills then they are also mature enough to make decisions towards where their money goes. They could say how since they work hard to bring back the money they have experienced enough to be trusted to make good decisions.
To expand on my reasons from above, I also think that the government should decide how to spend the money and not the payers because the politicians know what the country/city/town needs to thrive since they spend their days looking at real world problems to fix. Another reason I want to mention is that if everyone who pays gets a vote (which is a lot of people now) the government might feel obligated to accommodate everyone's wants and needs. If that would be the case then that would be a problem because then the government workers would then spend a lot of time making it fair for everyone, but then also have to deal with even more problems when people don't get their way.
People who don't agree with that are also right and I see where their opinion comes from, however I personally just agree more with the people who say that we should leave it to the government to make decisions with our money.
I 100% agree with this statement because if you pay tax , you are giving your own money to help the country. So you deserve a say in how it is spent. Another reason for my view is that paying tax shows you are a responsible part of society and being able to vote would make young people care more about how their community is run.
However, some people argue that voting should only be for adults who have full legal responsibilities. They worry that linking voting to money might give people who pay more tax more power than others. They believe everyone should just wait until they are 18 to keep things simple and equal.
For me, I see that everyone has his/her own right to be curious and ask what is their tax spent for.
Thanks for reading!!!
Hope I get a star ✨
I agree with the statement that if you pay tax, you should have the right to vote, but only up to a point.
Young people under 18 already pay tax on part-time jobs, shopping and online purchases, yet they cannot influence how that money is spent. This seems unfair because “no taxation without representation” is a basic democratic principle. If teenagers contribute financially, they should have some say in public services, education, and national decisions.
Giving young taxpayers the vote could also encourage political interest and responsibility. Governments would need to consider the needs of students and young workers, making elections more representative.
Still, paying tax alone should not determine voting rights. Many people who do not pay tax, such as retirees, the unemployed or full-time carers, are still affected by policies and deserve a voice. Voting requires maturity, knowledge and understanding of social issues.
For this reason, I believe voting should depend mainly on age and civic readiness, not just tax payment. Lowering the voting age to 16 would allow most young taxpayers to vote fairly without making tax the only requirement.
Overall, paying tax strengthens the argument for youth voting, but it should support voting rights rather than replace age as the main factor.
I completely agree with this statement because young poeple young poeple who pay taxes should have a say in how the money is used. In Egypt, some teenagers under 16 work part-time to support their families and also pay tax. Yet, they can't vote. Imagine working hard and having no voice in what happen with your contribution, it would feel unfair.
Including young poeple in voting also brings fresh ideas to society. In social studies, we learned that serveying people of different ages gives a fair view of everyone's opinion. This shows that every voice matters.
Some people might argue that young people are influenced by social media, which is true. But ignoring there opinions now will make these biases harder to change in the future. Letting them participate encourages learning, responsibility and forming their own opinions.
To conclude, I really believe that young people's opinions can really help shape the future.
For me, personally, I agree with this statement because I feel that asking people to pay tax without allow them to vote is kind of unfair and undemocratic. Also, my research also shows that Politician and Philosopher John Locke argued that governments only have legitimacy when people consent to how power and money/tax is used. I also feel that since taxes are compulsory and not donations and if citizens are forced to pay taxes but denied the right to vote then that is unfair. My second point is that since taxes fund a lot of things like hospitals, schools, public transport and many more then people who pay tax are practically stakeholders, and a lot of young people under voting age may work pert time and still pay tax and still have no say on education and I feel that this issue affects them the most. Now lastly, I agree with this statement because I think that voting rights encourage responsibility and better governance. Others opinions may differ but for me, I think that if you pay, you should have a say and tax is not just money, it is like a representation of your trust.
I agree with this statement because if people required to pay the taxes in a country, they should have rights to vote on how that money is used. Taxes are collected from citizens to pay for important things like schools, hospitals, roads, and public services. When someone pays taxes, they are contributing to the country's development, even if they are young or not officially alowed to vote. It can be unfair to take someone's money without giving them a voice in decisions that affect their daily life. Having the right to vote helps people feel included and respected as part of a society.
Another reason I agree is that paying tax shows responsibility and involvement in the country. Many young people work part time jobs or pay taxes through buying goods and services, but they still have no voice in the goverments decisions. These decisions can affect their education, future job opportunities, and cost of living. Allowing taxpayers to vote could also encourage people to learn more about politics and become more responsible citizens who care about how their country runs.
However, some people argue that voting should depend on age not tax, because they believe older people are more mature and experienced. While this opinion make sense, I still believe that paying tax should matter. Many younger people understand social economic issues very well. Overall if a country expects people to contribute money through tax, it should also give them a voice deciding how the money is spent.
just imagine you do all the chores in the house without anybody asking you to and your parents think that your elder sibling did it because they are older than you, and think the eldest sibling is the one who is responsible because of age, that's what's happening here as well. young people under 18 work hard to earn money and the money is taken from them for purposes they don't even know it's just unfair ,another reason for my perspective is that age is just a number for example in sports younger people at age 15 to 17 can sometimes easily beat world class professionals who are around25 years old again age is just a number however others might argue with me that young people are still learning and they don't know what to do and I agree too because only if they learn and share their opinions from a young age only then can they get ready for the future. I am not saying that younger people don't know what to do I'm just saying that they know what they are doing but they are only exploring their options and we underestimate that as stupidity and not knowing what to do.
signing off: fair minded elephant
I partially agree that young people should have a say in the spending of money if they pay taxes, but the problem is not with the money. It's about accountability and understanding.
I understood this when I purchased my first costly online product with the money I had saved for months. I was irritated when I saw additional taxes being added to the amount. It seemed unjust at that time. However, when floods broke out in a nearby city and I witnessed how public funds were used to provide rescue teams, relief camps and reconstructed roads. I understood that taxes are not just a source of revenue, they are an investment in a society that we all use without realizing.
However, voting is not a simple transaction in which money equals power. There are many people who do not contribute paying tax directly like homemakers and students, but they are still vey much impacted but the decisions of the govt. My grandma, for instance, does not earn or pay income tax, but decisions regarding health care policy determine whether she can get good health care at a reasonable price. If the value of voting were based on the amount of tax paid, her voice would not count, yet she is impacted by the decisions everyday.
If individuals are trusted to be a part of the society, they should also feel that society trusts them to have a say in its future. A nation feels more like home when everyone knows that their voice counts. Not just their wallets.
I agree with this statement because if you are required to pay tax then you should have the right to decide how it is used .Okay, some countries just take out the money from peoples wages as tax but how come young working people don't have a say on how it would be used because they are not at the voting age .It might as well count as unfair deductions or just paying for something you did not ask for. However some people may still argue that those who are not of the voting age but still working should still be required to pay tax because in the end it affects the country as a whole and not just the people who are legally allowed to vote, but I strongly disagree.
I feel that if you're going to make them taxpayers, shouldn't they have a say on how their taxpayers' money is spent? If they're not willing to let younger people vote, they shouldn't be paying tax from the money they make. It is as simple as that.
Of course, if they don't want to stop collecting tax from younger people, they can just drop the voting age. It's their choice. It can't be too hard. Just pick one.
I agree with the statement because even though taxes are a compulsory payment, it's still our money, and we should have a say in how it's used. Tax is paid to the government, and if the government isn't using the money for the proper development of the nation, then what good is the tax being paid? Citizens should have a say in how public money is used. After all, it's a free world, and all human beings have the fundamental right to free speech, personal choice and participation in government.
I agree with you because if they are going to charge people under 18 for tax they should be able to say how the money is going to be used because sometimes the government silence the citizens and spends the money on their own selfish interests, that is why in most countries like in Nigeria, you will find out that they have lot of bad roads, and undeveloped buildings. Also, while I agree that those who pay tax should also be able to decide who lead, what about foreigners who pay tax, should they be allowed to vote too? The government have to make a proper distinction before deciding that voting should be based on who pays tax, and the WHO should be well defined. I say this because I want the best for my country incase they decide to go this way.
THANK YOU!!!!!
i agree with this statement (under 1 circumstance that i would say at the end) because i should have the right to choose where the money i paid for goes just because it is mine. if i can't choose where it goes then why should i pay it.
switzerland, the globe capital of taxes, require at least you being 18 before you can vote. most successful people build their company either online or on site by the age of seventeen and would have tomanage taxes before they can vote in its existance,
and about the circumstance i was talking about, not any age canvote you need to be at least 14 to make the right choice.
I agree with the statement because when people pay taxes, they are contributing to society, so it is only right that they should have a say in how that money is spent. Many people under the age of 18 pay taxes through part-time jobs or just through making everyday purchases, but they are not able to vote on issues that will affect the services they use, such as education and transport.
Another reason for my agreement with the statement is that it could encourage young people to take a greater interest in politics from a young age. This would lead to more responsible citizens in the future.
On the other hand, some people may argue that it is a matter of age, not taxes, and that age is related to maturity and experience. However, I still think that people should have some kind of political say if they are contributing to society financially.
I agree with this statement because if young people are required to pay tax, they are already contributing to society and should have some voice in how that money is spent. Tax affects major decisions like education, healthcare and public services, which directly impact young people as well. In this sense, the issue connect to the wider topic of democratic fairness and representation, often summed up by the idea of "no taxation without representation."
Another reason for my view is that many under-18s already take on adult responsibilities through part-time work, supporting their families, or paying for goods and services. This links to broader debates about citizenship rights and when a person should be considered a full participant in society. If young people are expected to contribute economically, it seems reasonable to also include them politically.
This topic is also related to discussions about youth engagement in politics. Many countries worry about low voter turnout among younger generations, and giving them earlier voting rights could encourage lifelong political participation and help them feel more connected to their communities.
However, others might argue that voting depend on age because younger people may not yet have enough life experience or political knowledge to make informed choices. This connects to concerns about political maturity and the influence of social media or family opinions on younger voters.
Overall, I think if a country expects someone to pay tax, it should also consider giving them a say in how that money is used.
I'm not sure about this because... if you pay taxes you have the requirement to vote but some people have the requirement to vote but doesn't pay taxes
I disagree with this statement because young people have to pay taxes, but they cannot choose how the money will be used. Another reason for my view is that a lot of teenagers work part-time and in my opinion they sould have a voice. However, others might argue that young peolpe are not already prepare for important political decissions.
Hello stupendous_artic_fox! It sounds like you actually agree with the statement, rather than disagree - could you please clarify? Thank you!
I disagree with the notion that the payment of tax alone is sufficient to give a person the right to vote. Taxation is not the only passport to political influence. Tourists, short-term employees and non-citizens pay tax revenue when they visit, work, or live in a country for a short while, but they are not given the right to vote. This shows that the right to vote is not merely a function but is usually associated with citizenship, a lifelong commitment to a country, and obligations to it.
There is another aspect of my argument, young people already have the oppurtunity to influence how tax revenue is spent. Youth organisations, school boards, public hearings, demonstrations, and social media campaigns give young people under 18 the opportunity to air their views and make demands without lowering the voting age. These options recognise that young people are still in the process of gaining the experience necessary for making decisions at the national level, but still give them a voice.
However, others may say that the lack of voting power when tax are paid seems unfair, While this point may be valid, democracy tries to find a place between fair and continuty. but giving the voting rights to young people is not right decision because voting requires a deep understanding in laws, policies and how a simple dicision changes the country, not just one situation.
The other options ensure that the voices of young people are still heard...
On the first hand, I agree with this statement because if people under 18 are required to pay tax, they are contributing to the country and deserve a say in how that money is used. In countries like the USA and India, under-18s pay income tax on part-time jobs and indirect taxes such as GST or sales tax, yet they cannot vote. This creates a clear issue of fairness, especially for young people working due to financial pressure.
However, others argue that voting should depend on age, education, and political understanding rather than tax payment. In reality, most 18-year-olds are not regularly working, as many are still in school or college. According to OECD data, a large share of people aged 18–24 remain in education rather than employment, meaning many do not directly pay income tax. Because tax contribution is not consistent across this age group, governments cannot grant voting rights based only on taxation. Voting also involves understanding long-term national policies, which age limits aim to protect.
In conclusion, however, while informed voting is important, it is reasonable to question a system where young people contribute financially but have no representation. A fair democracy should balance political maturity with recognition of taxpayers’ contributions.
Absolutely. Those who pay taxes should be granted the right to vote. I say this because of fairness and equality, if people pay taxes they contribute to the country directly. Through taxes, a country is developed, public services are improved and many other things. By letting tax payers vote, the government makes them enthusiastic about what they do, at least they partake in other decisions of the country as they vote. By doing this, democracy will be strengthened by linking contribution to representation. Taxation without voting rights undermines unity in the nation, so therefore, contributions should be matched with influence
Thank you for your comments, intelligent_glacier! If paying taxes does grant the right to vote, regardless of age, do you think this should carry over into other areas of life such as marriage, home ownership, driving age, etc? If by paying tax and voting one is an adult, should they be seen as such throughout society or do you think age limits should be retained in certain areas?
I agree with this statement because young people under 18 have build rational thinking which allow they plan smart not hard
example:
A 16 year old has a job and has rational thinking which allows they plan and manipulate every problem and pays tax
but don't have the right to vote while 18 years old have the right to vote but don't pay tax
Hello, everyone!
I agree with this statement because you may not know how the money is spent
The money may be used in positive ways, but it is mostly used in negative ways (like Iran making a nuclear bomb to destroy Israel)or Donald Trump trying to destroy Iran.
To conclude, I think you should decide how your money is spent
You make a great point that your tax could be spent in ways with which you fundamentally disagree with. However, tax collection and allocation operate through complex institutions rather than individual choice. In that context, what mechanism do you think allows an individual to meaningfully influence how public funds are distributed?
I agree and disagree with the statement above, because, if we talk as adults then theres an opinion, but if we talk as teens, then there's also a couple of opinions, and here are some different P.O.V. about the statement above.
Adults, (parents, employees, and workers):
Adults can think in 2 ways, for parents, if they're gentle, they'll agree and fight for their children's opinions. But if they're not, they'll just knock it off, like it's not important, and for the employees and workers, they'll always knock it off because they think that they're "just kids" and their opinions "doesn't matter". Which simply isn't true.
Teens (boys, girls):
For teens, it depends, if they're confident or not, if they're confident, and believe in themselves, they are simply going to share their opinion without being scared of being rejected or knocked off like all adults do, even if they get rejected, they're still going to share their opinion on different websites, they can even start their own content channel in any social media app&share their opinion freely and if they get obstacles they're simply going to go over it until they achieve the part where their opinion does matter. But, if they are not confident, they're always going to be quiet and never sharing their opinion, and even if they thought about doing it and sharing their opinion, they're always going to have the fear of being rejected or knocked off or being avoided by people so they're always going to be quiet and always agreeing to whatever they get told.
That's it, bye.👋🏻
I disagree with this statement because just you shouldn't be able to vote because you pay tax. Anyone can pay for tax. A five year old can pay tax by buying a toy with their allowance. That shouldn't automatically qualify you to vote on something that affects people all around the country. People who are under the age of 18 are more susceptible to manipulation and misinformation from things like social media, their parents, and their friends. In an article by the American Psychological Association, they explain why teens are especially vulnerable to things on social media. It is because from the ages 10-12, changes in the brain make social rewards. When on social media, it gives teens "happy hormones" such as dopamine. This means that they are more likely to listen to what people say on social media, and adults are less likely to do this because they have a more mature prefrontal cortex. This means that if we allow people under the age of 18 vote, politicians can use social media as a way to influence and appeal to teens so they will vote for them, even when the politician doesn't have the best policies.
However, I understand that some people may think that teens should be able to vote on tax policies because it affects teens who work and shop. While I do agree with this assertion, I still believe that because people under the age of 18 are more easily influenced, we shouldn't allow them to vote.
I agree with the statement that if you pay tax, you should have the right to vote. My primary reason is the democratic principle of "no taxation without representation," which is the foundation of the social contract. When a state takes a portion of a minor's paycheck, it enters into a financial partnership with them. If a 16-year-old is considered mature enough to contribute to public services like healthcare and infrastructure, it is logically inconsistent to claim they lack the "maturity" to help decide how that money is spent.
Secondly, giving young taxpayers the vote can prevent political alienation. If young people see their hard-earned money being taxed while their voices are ignored, they may grow cynical about democracy. Conversely, allowing them to vote motivates them to become financially literate and gives them a sense of "ownership" over their community’s future.
However, others might argue that voting should be based on cognitive development rather than tax status. They may suggest that paying Value Added Tax (VAT) on a purchase doesn't equate to the life experience needed to navigate complex national budgets. This view holds that voting is a duty requiring a fully developed prefrontal cortex—the brain’s "executive center"—which typically matures in the early 20s. That's it
What do you think ?
I disagree with this statement because of the ability to properly think about politics. Sure If you make enough money you have to pay taxes, but what if you are a young teen who for examples works at an convieemce store over the weekends then you would have to pay a certain amount of tax based off of your income. by doing that and paying taxes still you should not have a say in politics just yet. Why? They might not care about politics and vote because the new experience is exciting and new and they feel a new sense an adulthood. But to really make a true vote you should do research understand politics so you can make a best informed decision. In conclusion young people should not be able to make a vote in politics until 18, no matter how much income you make the cognitive functions nessacery are still developing and will come with more time.
Hello freespirited_meaning I agree with your statement and think everything you are mentioning is true. I also believe that a 16 or 17 year old should not be paying taxes. In many situation teenagers are not in the financial position to pay taxes. By saying "still you should not have a say in politics just yet," I completely agree because assuming a 16 or 17 year old is paying taxes I believe they still have to learn about an adults life, responsibilities and the struggles that come with that before being able to have a say in what happens to tax money
I agree that if people are required to pay tax in a country, they should also have the right to vote on how that money is used. Taxation and political representation are closely linked principles of democracy.
The historic idea of “no taxation without representation” has long been supported by politicians. For example, British politician Jeremy Corbyn has argued that young people deserve a political voice because they contribute to society and are directly affected by government decisions. His view reflects the belief that democracy should include everyone who helps fund the country.
In many countries, people under 18 pay taxes on part-time jobs, shopping and everyday services. It is inconsistent to accept their financial contribution while denying them any influence over national policies. If the law considers them responsible enough to work and pay tax, it should also consider them responsible enough to participate in elections.
Critics claim that voting should depend strictly on age rather than tax status. However, paying tax already demonstrates responsibility and involvement in society. Allowing young taxpayers to vote would encourage greater political engagement and help them become more informed citizens. Excluding them weakens the connection between citizens and government.
In conclusion, representation should accompany taxation. A fair democracy must listen to all those who support it financially. For these reasons, I believe that anyone who pays tax should also have the right to vote on how that money is spent.
Hi Topical Talkers, I disagree with this statement because many young people before been 18 years old or even older, have not form their political opinions at all. Moreover, they are more influenced than older people by their family, friends, teachers, social media, TV shows or even by their religion. Furthermore, the mayority of then are not well qualified for voting, they need more experience, search for reliable information in diverse sources and expand their critical thinking.
Another reason for my view is that the mayority of young citizens are using their parents money and not it own one in their daily life. As a result the citizens who are paying this taxes are their parents, who can vote and decide how that money can be managed. Despite other ones work and earn their own money.
However, other might argue that if we are paying taxes we should have the right to vote on how that money is used. Because, some young people under 18 work and have experience enough to have their own opinions about politics and can clearly decide who to vote for, but this doen´t include the whole population, not even the majority.
In conclusion, I think the majority of young people is not prepare to vote, despite some ones are mature enough to decide the politicians who represent their opinions.
I do agree that young people, especially considering the fact that they are meant to pay tax, should have the right to invest in what they give to the government through voting. If they can take on political activity with such a tax, it is demonstrating that it is their right to know what their money is being used for in government activities. For the fact that they pay taxes, because they work, their minds should be open enough to know what voting requires, and how they use it to their advantage.
Here in Nigeria, we pay a lot of taxes and yet it does not look like the money is used for something that is helping Nigeria to improve, so I say yes to voting on how the tax ix used.
Hi, topical talkers.
In my opinion I feel that it should be acceptable for all tax payers to vote as it involves the usage of their money for their good; so they should have a say on how that money can be used, which could make an impact as they are directly affect by such government decisions made, using their money.
I actually agree with these statement. If one is required to pay tax in a country, you should also have the right to vote on how your tax is being spend.
I would like to talk about the low-income earners whether youths or elderly people. These are group of individuals who struggle day and night to earn money. I think that when all these people pay their tax, and don't see the benefits of how it is used for the development of the country. It won't actually be a very good experience for them. These people should actually be given the opportunity to vote on how their tax is being used after struggling to pay the tax because only them would know how hard the worked to pay the tax. These might not really affect the high-income earners because they may not really care about the money they pay as tax due to the sufficient money they are receiving.
However, some people may think that ,despite the fact youth pay tax, they shouldn't be allowed to vote because they are young, and they can be easily manipulated by different people concerning their vote. People may also think that the youths are not matured enough to vote. Some people may also disqualify old people, claiming that they have lost knowledge and can't see the problems in the current society. I strongly believe that everyone that pay tax should be allowed to decide on how that tax is being spent because it is the result of their hard work.
I completely agree with the statement because asking someone to pay tax without allowing them to vote is fundamentally unfair. Getting taxes from youngsters really puts a financial and mental stress on them, Leading to anxiety and depression.
A very visible real-life example can be seen in families where young people below 18 work part-time jobs or help in small businesses. They pay GST on fuel, mobile recharges, food, travel, and even toll charges, yet when public transport fares rise or basic services worsen, they have no power to question or influence those decisions. The money goes out of their pockets, but their opinion never enters the system.Although our nation is severely affected by the problem of "child labour", many working children still shoulder financial responsibilities and contribute economically.
Tax domination is almost there for everyday,including today. The youngest(14 years) player to hit a century in the whole T20 cricket history, "Vaibhav Suryavanshi" and team won the under-19 World Cup today and also he received 1 crore rupees as a prize money and ultimately he pays 10% tax on it. He is just 14 years old and got the recognisation for his talent and hard work, then why he have to pay the tax?
When a young achiever like Vaibhav Suryavanshi contributes to the nation by paying tax on his earnings after lifting the Under-19 World Cup for India, it clearly shows that contribution to society is not defined by age alone.
I personally don't agree with this statement, I think it's a very complex question and it should be looked from a bunch of points of view. I personally don't know a lot about taxes and things like that, because I think I am a bit too young to start learning about that, but still I am interested in it and should explore and find out more things about it.
But for now, my general viewpoint is that people under 18 should not vote because they pay taxes, for me taxes are a normal thing and are not influenced by age. Some people may like it or not, but they are here and we all must pay them. I think people that are under 18 shouldn't pay the full amount of tax on something but have a “discount” on it until they turn 18 and start paying full tax like the rest and because they pay full tax, they are also able to vote. Because there are much more factors on who can vote other than just tax, for example your age, your logical thing (your reasons and explanations on who you will vote) and simply how much knowledge you have for those topics.
So that's what I think, but there could be some ways in which we can include them. This is me brainstorming, but what if you could influence some things that mater to you in your day-to-day life. Like “voting” in your school/job or someplace else that you are connected too, you would vote for policies that would affect you, like real policies but on a much smaller scale. Of course that would be complicated, but who knows maybe it could happen one day, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this discussion, see you in another one. Byeee!
I disagree with the statement because some taxes are generalized and in the end, even tourists have to pay them, and they obviously can't vote. Besides, voting is not only about taxes, it's also about policies, laws and the country's well being and 16-year-olds aren't prepared for elections.
Firstly, everyone pays taxes, even the kid who spends his saved money on a toy and this doesn't mean that they have the right to choose. Moreover, they might not have the knowledge to know which ways are the best to invest the money for the country's well being.
Secondly, I don't believe that 16-year-olds are prepared for voting, mainly because they aren't educated enough and don't know themselves enough. Furthermore, what they would decide by voting is much wider than taxes.
In conclusion, from my point of view, they shouldn't vote even if they have to pay taxes because paying taxes doesn't make you prepared to decide where this money should be used and how. In addition, there are many people that pay taxes and can't vote because of different reasons, so why make an exception?
I believe that if someone is required to pay taxes, they should also have the right to vote. The principle of “no taxation without representation” is deeply rooted in democratic history, and it feels unjust to take money from young workers while denying them a voice in how it is spent. For example, 16-year-olds in many countries can legally work, pay income tax, and contribute to the economy, yet they are excluded from elections . This contradiction undermines fairness.
At the same time, I recognize that voting is about more than taxation as it involves making decisions on complex issues like healthcare, foreign policy and national security. Some argue that younger people may lack the maturity to fully grasp these topics. However, I think this concern is overstated. Many 16- and 17-year-olds are politically aware and with proper civic education, they can make informed choices. In fact, lowering the voting age to 16 would encourage earlier engagement with democracy, fostering lifelong participation .
I support the idea that taxation should come with representation. A practical compromise would be to lower the voting age to 16, ensuring that those who contribute financially to society also have a say in shaping it. I think that this approach respects fairness while maintaining a reasonable threshold for maturity.
I agree with the statement that if people are required to pay tax, they should also have a say in how that money is used. In many countries, people under 18 already contribute through income tax on part-time jobs and through taxes on everyday spending, yet they have no political voice. This feels unfair because their money supports public services like transport, schools, and healthcare, which directly affect their lives. Allowing them to vote would recognise that they are active members of society, not just future citizens. Another reason for my view is that being involved in voting at a younger age could encourage lifelong political engagement and responsibility, rather than making young people feel ignored or disconnected from decision-making. However, others might argue that voting should depend on age because it requires maturity, life experience, and a broad understanding of complex national issues. They may believe that paying some tax does not automatically mean someone is ready to make political choices. While this concern is understandable, it is still contradictory to expect young people to contribute financially without any representation. If a government believes someone is responsible enough to pay tax, it should also trust them with a voice in how that tax is spent.
I agree with this statement because how can I be taxed when I do not get the right to vote on how the money is used because if I pay the tax I should have the right to say how it should be used. Others may say that I am wrong and say that the government is using the money for our best interest but how can you be so sure because it may look like the economy is good but the nation is dying slowly and surely so you should have the right to say how each and every dime of our money is being used. THANK YOU.
I agree very much with this, and that is because if the government loves their money so much that they are willing to allow under-18s to pay tax, they should be more than willing to let those taxpayers express their decisions in voting. Think about it; imagine being in a classroom and there is a class contribution where the students contributed, but only the teachers get to decide what the money is going to be used for. It's totally unfair, but if we could curb this, there will be a new level of equality because right now, there are many adults that don't pay tax but yet have a say in the country's affairs and how tax is used.
I feel that under-18s that are made to pay tax should have a say in how that money is used because the outcome directly affects them, and excluding them from the decision is not fully justified. It also encourages early public involvement because if one should start voting from an early age or whenever they start to pay taxes, it will help them build lifelong habits of voting, being aware of current issues and taking part in democracy instead of feeling marginalised. Many under-18s today work real jobs and pay income tax and other forms of tax. With their taxes, they contribute to the funding of public services; it only makes sense if they have a say on how those services are run.
So i think that if someone has a large stake in the results of voting, then they should be able to vote, especially because many (if not most) 16 year olds are already smart and rational enough to vote. Plus, i definitely dont think its fair that someone who pays taxes and suffers the consequences of elections does not have a say in the matter when the youth can provide new, eye opening ideas and arguments that may change the course of a debate or election for the better.
However, others might argue that many 16 year olds arent ready to vote. Partly, i understand why one would say that, as the prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed until around 21, which can make teenagers more impulsive, less likely to think long-term and less likely to make very informed decisions according to a study by Heather Ferguson from 2021.
I think it not unfair that people under 18 have to pay taxes when they buy things or work at a part the time job but they don't get any say in how that money is used if the government takes money from our paychecks we should be allowed to vote for the leaders who decide where that money goes like for our schools all or environment it feels like we are doing our part for the country just as the adult do so our voices should be heard too if we are old enough to earn money and pay into the system we should be old enough to have a vote that just what I think any way
I agree with this statement because young people can have mature, independent mind to think individually to make a decision. If they’ve already gone through paying taxes legally by themselves, then they should have the right to make a qualified vote on how it is used. Young people can be the breadwinners in the family. They are fully capable to fulfill their parents needs and stand alone after studying or getting a job.
Another reason for my view is if young people have the chance to vote, they will be more interested in politics and care more about the country’s future. Young people can have a creative mind, whereas many adults now don’t. They can be influenced to help and care more about the economical state and money uses.
However, others might argue that young people tend to fall for everything they see or watch, but doesn’t this go for everyone? Nobody knows if the leader of the party will keep their word in favour, so not only “young people” will fall for misinformation and lies. If young people want to have a say in politics they should be able to.
In conclusion, I strongly agree with this statement and believe they should have a say in how the money is used, if they have to pay taxes. I feel like this should just make sense because they have the responsibility and should have the rights to vote. Everyone should care about the economical state.
I agree with this statement because young people can have mature, independent mind to think individually to make a decision. If they’ve already gone through paying taxes legally by themselves, then they should have the right to make a qualified vote on how it is used. Young people can be the breadwinners in the family. They are fully capable to fulfill their parents needs and stand alone after studying or getting a job.
Another reason for my view is if young people have the chance to vote, they will be more interested in politics and care more about the country’s future. Young people can have a creative mind, whereas many adults now don’t. They can be influenced to help and care more about the economical state and money uses.
However, others might argue that young people tend to fall for everything they see or watch, but doesn’t this go for everyone? Nobody knows if the leader of the party will keep their word in favour, so not only “young people” will fall for misinformation and lies. If young people want to have a say in politics they should be able to.
In conclusion, I strongly agree with this statement and believe they should have a say in how the money is used, if they have to pay taxes. I feel like this should just make sense because they have the responsibility and should have the rights to vote. Everyone should care about the economical state.
I agree with this statement because a part of your income being taken by taxes means that the government is taking pay which could have been used for your own personal needs. If the system can affect you, then you should be able to freely vote and affect the system. Being able to vote is not a luxury, it is a right which is provided in every free nation regardless of thinking prowess. Now, there is an age limit but there is no limit depending on sanity. A medically diagnosed insane person (who is not in an asylum) can vote. Because voting isn't about knowledge, it's a right which when infringed breaks the core of democracy and liberty. This can also create an imbalance in power dynamics between the people and their government which can lead to instability and social uprisings which are obviously not good for the government. In conclusion, I believe that voting is a democratic right and if you are mature enough to have the government take money out of your pay then you are mature enough to make your own choices.
I disagree with this statement because there will inequality as there is minors paying taxes but not all of them are so not everyone will get to vote. Another reason for my view is that there could be difficulty determining which minors qualify to vote and could be quite inconvenient for the people doing the administrative part of voting. Another point is that most government have clear age limits and letting tax-paying minors vote will create a blur or decimate the age limit. However, others might argue that it is fair to let minors vote if they pax tax but this could cause disarray within the government and country.
Hi Topical Talkers!
People under 18 pay taxes, but then, they don't have a say in how that tax money is spent.
Honsestly, this is a topic I have never think before. But now, it's the time.
I disagree with this statement because if they are mature to pay some taxes, they are mature to vote on how that money is used. Secondly, in my view, it's unfair, given that they are also contributing like other citizens in the world. They should give their vote for the future
However, others might argue that some young people don't have much idea about life and don't know what vote on how money is used.
To sum up, If you can pay taxes, you should can vote.
What do you think?
I agree with this statement, in the context of underaged people being allowed to vote if they pay tax, as if they are seen as mature enough to do so they are mature enough to vote, but I disagree with the underlying point of that if a person doesn't pay tax they should not be allowed to vote.
I understand that this isn't the main discussion, but this is a huge issue that is often overlooked. In South Africa, many people are unemployed due to the lack of jobs, and as they don't earn they don't pay taxes. Many people think, that as they are not contributing to the economy, they should not contribute to politics, but I disagree with this.
These people are vulnerable, and clearly struggling. If they do not vote, how can they make sure their rights are protected? Why should they be dehumanized and lose their rights because their government didn't provide them with the skill set nor job openings they need? They need to vote to protect themselves, because no one else will.
Now, back to the main discussion. Young people can be very mature, especially if they have to earn for their families. Many people at 18 don't have to provide for themselves, but can vote, unlike children who have had to become mature due to circumstances, and support their families, but do not get a say in where that tax is spent. To me, maturity and intelligence is not about age but about the world you grew up in. A child who grew up neglected will be far more mature at the age of 16 than a child taken care of, at the age of 18. They will also learn more about the world, therefore better equipped for voting.
I agree with this statement because paying tax means you are already contributing to the country, so your voice shouldn’t be ignored. If someone under 18 is working a part-time job or paying tax every time they buy something, then that money is helping fund public services and decisions they don’t get to vote on. That feels unfair. It’s like being told to help clean the house but never being allowed to decide anything about it.
Another reason I agree is that responsibility shouldn’t suddenly appear at 18 like a movie plot twist. In The Hunger Games, young people are forced to face serious consequences created by adults in power, yet they have no say in the system controlling their lives. Real life isn’t that dramatic, but the idea is similar. Young people already deal with the outcomes of political decisions, especially about education, jobs, and the economy, so having a voice makes sense.
However, others might argue that voting should depend on age because younger people may lack experience or be easily influenced. I understand that concern, but adults can also be misinformed or emotional voters. The real issue isn’t age. It’s whether people understand what they’re voting for. If someone is trusted enough to pay tax, they should at least be trusted enough to have a say in how it’s used.
That’s not radical. That’s just fair.
I agree with the statement. If people are required to pay tax, they should have some say in how that money is used. Acording to my search, In many countries, under-18s already pay taxes through part-time jobs or everyday spending, yet they have no political voice. This can feel unfair, because their money helps fund public services such as transport, schools, and healthcare, which directly affect their lives.
However, voting also comes with responsibility, and some argue that younger people may lack the experience or knowledge to make informed decisions. Even so, this problem can be reduced through better civic education rather than denying the right to vote. If a country believes someone is responsible enough to contribute financially, it should also trust them to have a say in decisions about public spending.
I agree with this statement because the reason we pay taxes is for the government to protect us. To clarify, why current day governments are not just armed mobs with guns is because they have an obligation to us as people to offer services such as education. If we are actively following the laws and paying for the roads and hospitals then it is only fair we get a say in how the money is used. Otherwise those who pay taxes are basically giving there money without a say in what to do and that is morally innocent. On the other hand some may say that kids are to young to vote and have single minded incentives such as less taxes or maybe even weird childish things like shorter school days. While I understand thing I think we need to fall on the principle of freedom and autonomy. In places like the US and Canada you have full access to yours rights of freedom and right to your body so long as you are not harming others. I think the same logic should apply here. You contribute to the total amount of money for the government to use, you should get a say. Even if what you want is "not important" you should still get to share your voice and your opinion. In conclusion while some may say that kids are not yet ready to vote I believe that they deserve the right to vote if they are actively contributing to the economy and giving the government money through tax.
I agree that all people regardless of age who pay tax should be allowed to vote. I think if you have to pay tax to the government you should have a voice in it as well. Man teenagers and students under 18 have to worry about studying and building their future life. When many high school and college students work part time jobs and late night shifts to get the money they need. The government has to take their money away with tax. If they don't have the right to vote yet, the teenagers should not have to pay the government.
Some people could say that younger people might not take voting seriously or that they are not mature or experienced enough for making important decisions for the government or the society. But when you really think about it, is a 20 year old really that much mature than a 17 year old? And another thing is that there are many grownups who also don't take voting seriously. Some grownups even though they have more experience may not have the perspective of a younger person who is more experienced in things like the modern society. When intelligence is considered, age really doesn't matter that much. Young students learning politics or history could have a more accurate idea than a random middle aged person.
My point is, there is really no great excuse for not letting the under 18 people to vote on how their money is used. I believe their opinion could be very valid and they can really make great decisions on how their tax money gets used. The government should make it more fair for everyone paying for the country and the society.
Hello topical talkers, I really agree with this statement, because, I believe that whoever is able to contribute to the country should be able to have a say for what happens in said country. For example, I personally know some 17 year olds that pay taxes, earn money, but in despite that, they can not legally vote.
I think that in those situations, even tax-paying underage citizens should be able to vote, as they already have bigger responsibilities. Besides, if they are able to work and pay taxes, why should they not be able to vote?