What Is Brexit, And What Does It Mean For Us?
Start writing a post
Politics

What Is Brexit, And What Does It Mean For Us?

The power of an (un)informed decision.

6
What Is Brexit, And What Does It Mean For Us?
Getty Images

On June 23 the UK voted for what they and the rest of the world call "Brexit". Brexit, was the referendum held to democratically decide whether the UK would remain in the European Union or leave it.

The final result was 48.1% remain, and 51.9% leave. This monumental decision was followed quickly by the largest drop in the pound since 1985, the global stock market taking a nose dive, and frantic British people looking up questions such as "What is the EU?" and "What happens if we leave the EU?"

Those are important questions, but probably asked not at the right time. When looking at the break up of who voted in Brexit, it becomes clear that the majority of those who voted leave, were over the age of 45. 56% of people aged 45-54 voted leave, 57% of voters aged 55-64, and 60% people over the age of 65 also voted to leave the EU.

However, the vast majority of young people, voted to remain in the EU. The voters aged 35-44 voted 52% remain, 62% of voters aged 25-34, and 73% of the voters aged 18-24 voted to remain in the EU.

There are a lot of things that happened in the referendum that we as voters can take note of, especially as we prepare for an election this November.

The first, is turning out to vote. If you look at those numbers, you would think that the young people's vote to remain would have kept it in the lead. The margins between remain and leave were much larger in the young people's votes, but there was one thing that caused the people 45+ to win with their vote to leave.

Out of the more than 30 million voters, a larger number of them were 45+, causing the vote to tip in their favor. The numbers show that this was a close vote, and even just a little more from either side could have tipped the balance.

The overwhelming majority of young people in the UK wanted to remain in the EU, but because not enough of them got to the polls, they ended up losing that battle. This is an important lesson for the US going into the election. Young voters have to remember that their vote counts, and it counts a lot this year.

The second point, for voters to take from the EU referendum is the importance of making a well informed decision. You can't just vote without an idea of what you're voting for. When the results showed leave as the winner and the economic problems started, Google searches in the UK sky-rocketed into panicked Brits looking for an understanding on what they had just voted for. "What is the EU?" became the second highest googled question in the UK the day after the referendum.

Although the US vote for President will not cause the DOW (Dow Jones Industrial Average) to drop 900 points in two days, it will effect how the world sees us, and possibly shift our influence on the world. Which is why, the voters can't just guess at who should be our next President. Voters should research the stances of their candidates. They also shouldn't just google the Democratic and Republican nominees. Both the Green and Independent parties have nominees that may appease some voters wary of their current party's nominee.

Making informed decisions, and voting on that decision is the only sure-fire way to get what you want in way of politicians and policy, so as US citizens it is our duty to do our research, and go out to vote in November.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

39152
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

114490
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments