A wider Franchise and debates over sufferage

KEY MILESTONES

Which act was introduced in 1832?

• The great reform Act- enfranchised some of the middle class

Which act was introduced in 1867 and 84?

• Reform Acts- vote opened to wc householders in boroughs and then counties

Which act was introduced in 1872?

• The Ballot Act- secret ballot introduced in local/ govt elections

Which act was introduced in 1918?

• Representation of the peoples Act- voting right extended to women over 30 who meet property requirements

Which act was introduced in 1928?

• Representation of the peoples act- equal suffrage all women over 21 can vote

When was the voting age lowered to 18?

• Representation of peoples Act 1969

When did MPs reject prisoners plan to vote?

• 1983

Work of current movement

Lowering voting age

What is the name of the group which advocates to lower voting age to 16?

• Votes at 16

What are the 3 broad reasons why 16 year olds should be able to vote?

• they have signif responsibility

• citizenship

• Allowed in scotland

Which responsibilities can 16/17 year olds exercise and what does this suggest?

• engage in sexual relations, marry, join armed forces and pay tax so irrational to argue that they are not mature enough

Why are some of these claims misleading?

• Need parental guidance to join armed forces if 16, 17 (not in scotland) or to get married

Why has the introduction of citizenship into the school curriculum strengthened this argument?

• Because now students more aware of current affairs so more informed in political decision making

Since 16/17 year olds can vote in scotland what does this suggest?

• it is illogical that they cannot vote in westminister elections

Why is this a weak argument?

• Just because they can vote in Scotland doesnt mean the franchise should be extended

• Only a few countries have lowered the voting age to 16 so the UK is in the political mainstream by having a voting age of 18

In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum what % of those age 16-17 voted? What does this show

• 89%- should be allowed to vote

How many people aged 11-18 determined what the Youth Parliament would debate in the Make your mark campaign 2017?

• 955,000

Since 16 and 17 year olds cannot buy alcohol what becomes clear?

• they are not regarded as responsible enough and so should not be able to exercise all adult responsibilities

Given that they are still in full time or part time education which issues are irrelevant to them?

• tax etc

Which problem would enhancing the voter age to 16 enhance? and why?

• Voter apathy

• low turnout is highest amongst 18-48 year olds so by extending franchise just enhancing voter apathy

Give an example which supports this…

• Isle man extended franchise in 2006

• 2006 turn out amongst 16/17 was 55.3%

• 2021- 46%

Prisoner voting

Is this topic cared about by the public?

• NO

What happened in 2001 and 2004 which sparked major debate?

• Hirst claimed that his imprisonment should not have taken away his right to vote

• 2005 ECHR said that the blanket ban on prisoners voting in west minister elections violated article 3 of the ECHR

What happened in 2017 as a result?

• Parliament amended RPA 1969 act to include civil prisoners, prisoners on day release, curfew or detention

What happened in relation to prisoners voting rights in scotland and when?

• 2020 The Scottish Elections Act, section 6 means that prisoners serving a sentence of 12 months or less can vote in local and govt elections

What did Graeme dey say about this reform?

• supported by 92% of organisations and 78% individuals

Compulsory voting

Why do some people think compulsory voting is necessary?

• because it would result in more people engaging in the democratic process so increase voter turnout

Give an example of a state that uses compulsory voting…

• Australia- since 1924- never gone below 91% turnout since

Why are some people against compulsory voting?

• gives the state too much power to coerce its citizens

• not voting may be a political statement

• may be an informed political decision eg 2017 french presidential elections no socialist candidates

• masks the symptoms doesnt solve the root problem