On 3rd May 2018 millions of British citizens will head to the polls to choose members of parliament and councillors in the general and local elections. However, with the exception of Scotland, only those aged over 18 will be able to take part… I, and many others, have been debating the pros and cons of reducing the voting age minimum to 16 and how it would affect us. Some believe that this is too young and should not even be discussed. However, not everyone will agree on that including me, and many local people in my area.
People aged 16 can already make many adult and life changing decisions, such as getting married, going to work, paying tax and enlisting in the army, which shows that they are ready to vote and thus influence how the country is run. Many policies that the nation votes upon are issues that directly affect young people, such as university tuition fees. I think it is only fair that the people it will affect the most are allowed to vote. Also, the younger generations are the ones that will have to live with the consequences of political decisions for longer than any other demographic. These two points show that voter turnout for 16-18 would be high as the younger generation would feel motivated to influence issues. Voting would encourage civic-mindedness and a sense of social responsibility in young people, hopefully creating a happier, fairer future for our country. It would also encourage young people to mature into more politically engaged adults, which, in the long run, would increase voter turnout in generations to come. On the other hand, not everyone believes that a change to the voting age would be beneficial to our country. Some of their valid arguments are that 16-year-olds haven’t yet entered the world of home ownership, employment, tax or pensions but these economic issues are often key to election campaigns. Some suggest that young people are too impressionable and easily influenced. However, I believe this is not necessarily a negative factor. It could mean parties are more likely to gain new supporters within the younger generation as it is at this inquiring age that you look properly into political parties, their aims, beliefs and policies. Allowing people aged 16 to vote is not a new idea; it has been legal in Austria since 2007. In Scotland, this alteration was made in 2014, with the support of all parties apart from the Conservatives. Kezia Dugdale, the Labour leader at the time, believed it was a brilliant, long awaited change, and one that has modernised Scotland; she supports the idea of more countries following in their footsteps. I couldn’t agree more. Plus, Jim McMahon, Labour MP for Oldham West and Royton, is calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16 in the general election and for political education to be taught in schools, which I also believe is a brilliant idea. The Labour Party, the Lib Dems and Green Party support the proposal - but surprise, surprise the Conservatives don’t. Some claim their position is based on a fear that not enough younger voters would vote for the Conservatives as young people are less closed off, and old fashioned with their politics. The Welsh Assembly is also considering allowing 16-year olds to vote in local elections.
My local MP, Jo Johnson, Conservative MP for Orpington and Minister of State for Transport, sadly does not support this proposal and has voted against a lower voting age three times. I have spoken to many local people of all generations and many have disagreed with his view. Whilst speaking to a friend of mine, who feels very passionately about this topic, she told me “people aged 16 are more interested in politics and know more about it than many adults” which is a very valid point.
When or even if this change will take place in our country, I do not know. But what I do know is that it would change our country and that it is a necessary modification to keep up with the ever-evolving world in which we live.
By Lily Buttery, Farringtons School
