Votes at 16

What is the votes at 16 coalition?

• formed in 2003

• Won early success by securing a study of the issue by the electoral commission- a number of Lib Dem’s, labour and SNP MPs kept the issue alive in the HOC- labour mp Julie Morgan sponsored a private members bill 2008 which run out of parliamentary time

Can 16 and 17 year olds vote anywhere in the uk?

• allowed to vote in the Scottish referendum in 2014

Which parties want votes at 16?

• in 2015 general election all major parties except the conservatives were in extending the president

• The electoral reform society also supports votes at 16

What are the arguments for votes at 16?

• higher participation in politics- ¾ of 16-17 voted in the Scottish referendum

• Have other legal rights - to leave school, start work,join the armed forces, have sex and get medical treatment

• Have citizenship lessons so know about politics,there is a youth parliament

• Give people a say in issues like uni fees

What are the arguments against votes at 16?

• young people lack the necessary life experience and maturity to vote , few take part in youth parliament, and their decisions and views may be determined by parents or other adults

• Some of these rights are limited in practice (e.g. 16 year olds need parental agreement to marry) and few 16 year olds are in full time employment

• The Scottish referendum attracted unusually high levels of participation for all age groups so is not a fair test, levels for participation are lowest in the 18-24 age group so why would 16-17 year olds be any different

• Relatively few countries allow 16 year olds to vote