Lowering the voting age is a contentious issue, but the German example is a strong argument in favor of advocates’ causes. Different German states have long set voting ages of 16 or 18, and now 16-year old Germans can vote in federal elections. It turns out that the states where people have been voting since 16 post consistently greater turnout across multiple age groups. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
