We can all agree that the past year in the world of politics has been a rollercoaster of a ride. From the very moment an EU referendum was announced, right up to the final vote in which many young people all over the UK were left not only shocked but quite frankly angry. This resulted in various marches taking place all over the country and in backlashes on social media. Unknowingly, the majority Brexit vote on June 23rd 2016 became the catalyst that sparked political interest in many young people all over the country. A concept that has been widely disputed:
Why can’t the voting age be lowered?
Well let’s take look at why it should. Let’s start with young people and how politically minded they are. The strongest views of our political situations are emerging from the mouths of young people. Schools are a common place to hear political debates on everything from Trump to Brexit to the Tory government – and even the French La Penne! So isn’t it time that young people had a say in the electoral mandate and claim their right to have a say for their future? After all, it is them who will have to endure our country’s decision before they can even take on the mantle of leadership themselves! Brexit, for example, is likely to be a messy affair left to the young aspiring leaders to mop up in the next ten years!
We only need to look inside the Ursuline Academy Ilford to see what our new generation of political thinkers are saying. Last year the school conducted its own EU referendum poll and regardless of its Remain result contrary to the UK’s Brexit result, it highlighted a fervour and excitement for political debate amongst the youth of our society. As one Ursuline Student, Julianne, puts it: “It was good to see so many young people actively involved in politics, which is something that affects their future!”
If we want our young people to feel responsible and included in our society, then decision making by way of voting must also be there right. Too often young people are marginalised, ignored and viewed as passive recipients of systems handed to them. What we have to realise is that most 16-17 year olds have matured and grown up and are probably thinking about what they want to do with their future.
Lowering the voting age puts the future in their hands.
