Quite a few of the young people I know are anxious about the future. It’s normal to think things over a lot at our age, but climate change and Covid-19 are difficult to process. We don’t know how the situation will pan out – or, for example, which jobs are still safe to go into. The pandemic has taken a year out of our lives. It’s a sobering experience. Mental health issues are on the rise. I am very concerned about climate change.
Politicians finally need to realise that something has to be done. They should stop talking and start acting. We don’t have much time left. I try and do as much as possible in everyday life to help our climate – like being a vegetarian and using public transport. I don’t like when people dress opinions up as facts to make a point. I am interested in science and have chosen biochemistry as my main subject.
One day, I can imagine doing research and then working as a teacher. I am currently doing an ornithology course in my free time. I like being in nature, going on excursions, and I jog regularly. However, I don’t have much time for hobbies outside school. I think it is good that young people can vote from the age of 16 in the canton of Glarus. Unfortunately, the pandemic has so far prevented me from doing so. The open-air assembly has been cancelled twice. I will certainly take part in the next one. I have the vote, so I want to use it.
Society will benefit as a whole from the fresh outlook and perspectives that young people can bring. Our priorities are different to those of older voters. They should also lower the voting age to 16 at national level. Young people who want to vote should be entitled to do so. After all, it is our future at stake. We are the ones who will have to live with what the electorate decides now. I watch the evening news, read newspapers and chat with my parents to keep track of the latest developments. I am interested in politics but would feel uneasy belonging to a political party. I don’t agree entirely with any of the parties and would find it hard to defend a position that I don’t share.
Anne Hielscher
Born in 2004 and living in Mollis (canton of Glarus), where she can now vote in elections and popular votes at the age of 16. Anne is a pupil at the cantonal school in Glarus. Her main subject is biochemistry.
The portraits of all 16 young people interviewed
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