Poll Results May 2023
Age and Politics
Welcome to a short survey of four questions on the age of politicians. The questions are in a yes/no format, making them easy to answer. However, there is room for you to elaborate on your answers if you have the time, and we are grateful if you do.
Question 1
Do you think that it is a problem that young people are underrepresented among politicians?
96% Yes
4% No
Why? / Why not?
Yes, it is a problem, because older politicians do not properly understand the issues of the youngest generation, and instead, most of the time, blame us for the situation we are into.
Yes. For electoral reasons, politics is inclined to focus on short-term problem and adopt short-term solutions, often failing to provide for the future generations. Having old politicians only contributes to exacerbate this problem. In addition, the under representation of young people is an issue of rights, as everyone has a right to be heard and to participate in the decisions affecting them – “nothing about us, without us”.
Yes. Humans are intrinsically selfish in many aspects. Therefore senior politicians tend to think about their own need and the population of their age.
Yes. In an ever-changing world like ours, it is difficult to keep up with the transformations that are occurring. It is therefore evident that many adults and seniors tend to lack a clear view on how such changes are impacting and influencing the youth. And if they do not fully comprehend the experience of young people in today’s world, how are they supposed to address their problems and needs? As a result, I deem youth participation in politics and policymaking to be crucial.
Yes. While it may seem concerning at first glance that young people are underrepresented among politicians, there are several reasons why this may not necessarily be a problem. One potential argument is that young people may not yet have enough life experience to effectively represent the interests of their constituents. Political leadership often requires a deep understanding of complex issues and the ability to navigate political landscapes, which may take time to develop. Additionally, younger politicians may not have as extensive networks as their older colleagues, which can be a significant disadvantage in the world of politics. However, it is important to recognize that age alone is not necessarily a predictor of political success. Younger politicians may bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table, and they may have a better understanding of the concerns of younger generations. Furthermore, with the advent of social media and other digital technologies, younger politicians may be better equipped to connect with and mobilize younger voters.
Yes. Politics should be made from people for people. If we want the people to be represented in a meaningful way, the politicians shall be a picture of society, meaning an inclusive group of people, reaching from young to old people, diverse religions etc. Only if people from all age groups are represented within a group of politician, a topic can be approached from different angles, including perspectives, that matter to people.
Yes. Although youth lacks experience, younger generations have a different way of thinking than the incumbent ones which often have an “outside” view of what solutions to modern times could be. The fact that they are underrepresented may show the lack of interest to solve political problems and disregard our political will
Yes. Because they do not meed the needs from the present
Yes. Because the views of older and younger people are different, based on the different generations we grew up in and grew up raised by. The problems and stress younger people deal with nowadays are different from the ones 25 years ago. Higher representation among politicians is important, so that the younger generation lives in a system, where it is being heard and taken care of.
Yes. Normally young people are not perceived as serious to the general public. Also the engagement of young people in politics is low in comparison to older people. From a personal perspective, I believe that we are more concerned about getting a secure job and start a life and the think politically.
Yes. Due to the lack of youth representatives both on a local and national level, political institutions tend to ignore the current social problem claimed by the youngest generation. This could cause a huge paralysis in every day life since the job contracts, the prices of cost of life including the cost of houses
Question 2
Do you believe that age matter in politics?
75% Yes
25% No
Why? / Why not?
Yes, because older people have an older vision of life, and a different understanding of the functioning of things.
Yes. It matters because the natural generational change is meant to bring in new skills, knowledge and a new vision in any field, politics included.
Yes. In a certain way, age is fundamental. Before the age of 25 the brain must complete its full maturation. Therefore being a certain age (25-70) could be a better temperament for stress and tackling issues that could change the contemporary geopolitics
Yes, I believe that age can be an important factor in politics. Political leadership requires a deep understanding of complex issues and the ability to navigate political landscapes, which may take time to develop. With age often comes experience, wisdom, and a more extensive network of contacts, which can be a significant advantage in the world of politics. Additionally, older politicians may have more established reputations and greater credibility with the public, which can be important in gaining support for policy initiatives. However, it is important to note that age is just one factor among many when it comes to effective political leadership, and there are certainly examples of successful young politicians who have made significant contributions to their communities and to society as a whole. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that our elected representatives are knowledgeable, empathetic, and dedicated to serving the needs of their constituents, regardless of their age.
No, there should be a representation of all ages.
No. I would say it matters to a certain extent, but neither in a positive, nor in a negative way. People from different ages do certainly address issues differently, or put their priorities on other topics. However, I believe, both old and young people can be conservative, innovative etc. Based on this idea, I do not believe, that the age matters as much, as often thought.
Yes. Although it’s not only up to that, it shows a possible mentality that is proper of a certain generation.
Yes. It’s already shown through history that revolutions began thanks to young people, older people tend to vote always for the.same party or older people in government tend not to change things and laws etc in one country. Definitely age matters
Yes, different experiences during time. It is not the same to be 8 years old in 2008 than 25. It might affect to prespective
Yes. Because different ages have different perspectives and different capabilities to a point.
No. All that matters is the way of thinking, seeing the world and actually caring about the people. Life experience doesn’t always guarantee „better“ political decision-making , it comes with the environment, a person was raised in and challenges the person was put up against.
Yes. People with more experience and age tend to be more credible
Yes. The presence of politicians or representative which detains more or less our age is important because it signifies that they are acknowledged the principal issues that our generation faces daily, in particular on the question of the house crisis and the research of a more flexible and ethical balance work and family /relation without being subjected to any sort of formal and informal sanction because a person decides to encounter to a certain personal or professional path
Question 3
Would you be more inclined to vote for a younger politician than an old one?
40% Yes
60% No
Why? / Why not?
Yes, because I will feel better represented
No. Not necessarily. Age is not a quality in itself.
Yes. A young politician (25-40) could understand better the feeling and how youth is living.
No. When I choose who to vote, age is not my primary concern. It is however a factor, especially when choosing who to elect to the city council, where I feel that the presence of a few younger people could actually have a substantial positive impact
Yes. His approach
Yes. I may be more inclined to vote for a younger politician based on factors such as their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives.
Yes. Provided that I agree with their policies.
Yes. Depends, this isn’t necessarily a major factor for me
Yes, if they express eloquently what i need to hear.
No. Often younger people seem to take issues, that I care about more into account than older politicians. Nevertheless, I think I would base my vote on the ideas a politician stands for.
Yes. If the only distinctive factor between two candidates would be the age, I would vote for the younger one.
No. Age is not the only parameter.
No. The age would not be that defining and with older politicians there is that sense of experience that is highly valuable.
No. For me it does not depend on the age. It depends on what they have proved to have done and what their values and visions for the future look like.
No. Unfortunately, the current generation desire to be a part of a radical and structural change, however, they do not want to take part in a political party because there is a widespread opinion that politicians do not listen to the requests advanced by the youngest voters. In addition, there is a great disengagement in politics and current affairs by the youngest generation and a great disillusionment of the figure of the politicians which are seen as people interested to maintain his power, pursuit their interests and goals and maintain the current system in function
Yes. Yes and no, it really depends what they appeal for.
Question 4
Do you think that it is important that politicians are similar to the voters in terms of age, gender, race and social background?
47,4% Yes
52,6% No
Why? / Why not?
yes but not specifically, in the sense that I can feel represented even by someone that has a different gender, race or social background
No. Not at all. But all categories should be represented for a matter of equality, inclusion and capacity-sharing.
No. It would be easier to vote who is similar to us. However politicians have the main job to represent ideal and not be similar in terms of age, gender race and social background.
Yes. Because the young people can see themselves into someone and can feel more represented
No. Yes, I believe that it can be important for politicians to represent a diversity of ages, genders, races, and social backgrounds. However, I can also see how some may argue that it is not necessarily a requirement for effective political representation. What is most important is that politicians are able to understand and effectively represent the interests and concerns of their constituents, regardless of their own personal characteristics. Ultimately, the most important thing is that politicians are qualified, knowledgeable, and dedicated to serving the needs of the public, regardless of whether they share the same demographic characteristics as their constituents.
No, diversity is the key.
No. I believe, that striving for the same goal, matters more than age, gender, race and the social background of a person. Even if we are shaped by these aspects, I believe that common values originate from the personality and life experience.
Yes. Totally. It’s a matter of representativity, although for me it’s more important the political ideology.
Yes. The social background definitely plays a role. Most politicians are way too rich to understand middle or low class people. As about gender and race, I believe this is also important but not needed.
No, not really needed, it can help to familirize, but an old person can hear too.
Yes. Because the whole point of the government is to represent the people when making decisions.
Everyone should feel represented, however not that much on the outside (lookwise), as much on the ideas, values, needs-level. In order to have an understanding of what people of certain background for example go though and need, you do not need to be 100% part of the background. Hearing and respecting the other party as well as really taking care of the situation is the most important thing. However it’s mostly logically that the person, who would do the best for a certain societal group, is part of that group and people visually indentify themselves with him/her, which makes them psychologically trust him/her more and that drives their vote.
Yes. They need to create empathy with their voters
Yes. Politicians who share or experience more or less the same problems that the current generation face every day it seems that political institutions perceive the problems of the generations as a priority that should be resolved in a short time. Moreover, politicians that they come from the same social ground or they have the same gender and age are able to resolve current societal and political issues with the approach of the current generation. This it does not exclude the help or the suggestion from the oldest generation from learning how to move inside the current system