1. Background and Motivation

Democracy is fundamentally based on the principle of majority rule.

As a result, the voices of minority groups are often overshadowed or ignored.

This has led to generational conflicts in many countries, where the voting power of each generation can become imbalanced due to differences in population structure.

While the principle of majority rule works equitably within a single generation—where members share a similar social context—can it truly be considered fair to impose this principle across generations that have grown up in fundamentally different circumstances?

When there is significant generational imbalance, should not the voices of minority generations be given essential respect and consideration, rather than being systematically overshadowed?

This article proposes a weighted voting model based on national statistics for each age group, aiming to equalize the overall voting power of all generations.

2. Model Details

The core idea is to assign weights such that age groups with smaller population proportions have the same voting power as those with larger populations.

In countries with a large elderly population, this model encourages more future-oriented policies for younger generations, while in countries with a larger youth population, it helps ensure that the welfare needs of the elderly are not neglected.

As an example, consider eligible voters in age groups from their 20s to 80s, with the following assumed population proportions:

20s – 8%, 30s – 12%, 40s – 14%, 50s – 14%, 60s – 18%, 70s – 17%, 80s – 17%.

Here, the 60s group has the highest proportion at 18%.

Under the existing one-person-one-vote system, such a demographic structure inherently disadvantages younger voters (e.g., those in their 20s).

To address this, the model applies weights to each age group such that the adjusted value for all groups equals the maximum proportion (in this case, 18), and finally normalizes to a total of 100%.

Weight Calculation:

• Reference value: 18 (the highest proportion among all groups)
• Weight for each generation = 18 ÷ (proportion of that generation)

Example of weighted adjustment:

• 20s: 18/8 = 2.25×
• 30s: 18/12 = 1.5×
• 40s: 18/14 = 1.29×
• 50s: 18/14 = 1.29×
• 60s: 18/18 = 1.0× (reference group)
• 70s: 18/17 = 1.06×
• 80s: 18/17 = 1.06×

This model is simple to implement, requires only the addition of a weighting function to existing voting systems, and is applicable to any country that practices representative democracy.

3. Limitations and Suggestions

Of course, there are limitations.

Politicians, instead of focusing only on policies that appeal to the largest generation, would now have to address the needs of all generations, potentially increasing the burden and complexity of policy-making and legislation.

Still, I would like to ask politicians:

Did you become a politician to ensure the long-term, balanced development of your country,

or merely to serve the short-term interests of entrenched powers?

Weimar Constitution Article 1 (German original):

“Das Deutsche Reich ist eine Republik. Die Staatsgewalt geht vom Volke aus.”

(“The German Reich is a republic. State authority derives from the people.”)

This fundamental principle is enshrined in virtually all democratic constitutions worldwide.

If the political class neglects the well-being and development of the people due to concerns over increased complexity or risk, is that truly mature democracy?

Politicians are representatives chosen by individual citizens to act for the balanced and sustainable development of the nation from each person’s perspective.

Therefore, they must not pursue personal interests.

Moreover, if this model were enacted into law, it would undeniably foster growth in the collective thinking of politicians, as they would be compelled to cultivate the ability to think from more diverse and multi-faceted perspectives.

4. Conclusion

No political system can succeed if it ignores the people.

History demonstrates this through the French Revolution (1789), Russian Revolution (1917), Korea’s April Revolution (1960), the Arab Spring (2010), and many others.

Every citizen’s vote is precious and should never be taken lightly.

“True authority is found in the ability to lower oneself to the level of others and express respect with clarity.

Authority without respect is mere display and vanity.”

I do not enjoy politics.

But I sincerely wish for as many people as possible to live with equality and peace.

If anyone sees this article and can voice these principles in politics without distortion, I hope you will feel free to share and use it as needed.