A political conference aiming to engage and encourage young people to gain knowledge about the political and electoral system in the UK.
‘Under 18 -Do I Count’ was a conference held in Gumley House FCJ that sparked the debate whether 16-year olds should be given the chance to vote. Sixth form students attended this discussion from Gumley House School FCJ and one of the sister schools Maria Fidelis FCJ and the neighbouring schools in Hounslow ; Isleworth and Syon School for Boys and Brentford School for Girls. It featured notable speakers - Jon Narcoss of the Electoral Reform Society , Ruth Cadbury MP and Julian Jessop from the Institute of Economic Affairs and Debate Mate.
Speeches were trailed along the pros and cons about 16-year old’s being allowed to vote. Moreover, the conference engaged with the students and raised inquisitive questions such as the consequences if the voting age were reduced to 16 years old (or lower) and whether 16-year-olds were easily influenced to follow the political system.
The star-studded event that enthralled the conference of 230 students was the striking debate session with speakers Jesse Williams and Zarina Bell-Gam on this topic. The proposition argued that under 18s were capable and mature and if given the opportunity, they would vote for their voices to be heard. Moreover, providing adequate information about politics through introduction of political science at Year 7 to develop this knowledge until Year 11 in schools would help them build on their knowledge. They would be performing a civil duty to their country by voting a leader and would create a practise in voting. This would be an especially essential for 16-year olds who work and would want to be aware of their National Insurance contributions towards the government services.
However, the opposition rebutted this case by stating facts as the military allows students to join the army at 16 but limits the physical combat until they reach the age of 18. Other facts such as most 16-year old are full time students and if working, are in part-time jobs that do not contribute to NI or taxes as they are treated as a ‘young person’ and paid through PAYE. Most of the laws and regulations are fully enforced at the age 18 . The debate ignited the audience by the fire-spitted arguments and ended with the overall conclusion that under 18s would presently need time to gain and develop this knowledge.
The aim of this dicussion was improving the awareness of politics to the younger generation. It couraged students to take part in youth councils, engage in local community projects and the current news.
The event is supported by TEAMGlobal, an independent charity whose mission is to empower students to become better informed on world affairs and news.
Debate Mate is a charitable organisation that works with schools that encourages, develops and challenges students thinking about world topics such as climate change, voting etc.
Special thanks to all the speakers that attended and organised this event and helped to create awareness about the electoral system to the younger generation.
In the end this all leaves us with a question: Would 16-year old be allowed to vote in the future?
Only time can tell.
