Evaluate the view that the franchise should be extended for UK general elections.

30 Marks

What does the ‘franchise’ refer to?

refers to the formal right or ability of citizens to vote in public elections.

Paragraph 1: The franchise should be extended

Point: The franchise should be extended to 16-17 year olds to make UK democracy more representative and inclusive

Explanation: At present, 16-17 year olds can:

• pay taxes

• work full time

• join the armed forces

Yet they cannot vote in general elections, creating a democratic deficit where those affected by government decisions lack formal political representation.

Example:

• 16-17 year olds can vote in devolved elections in Scotland and WALES

• In the Scottish independence referendum, turnout among 16-17 year olds was estimated at around 75% higher than many older age groups

Analysis: This suggests:

• Young people are politically engaged when given the opportunity

• Extending the vote would improve political participation and long term voting habits

• It enhances legitimacy, as more citizens are represented in decision making

Evaluation: Evidence suggests younger voters may have lower political knowledge—for example, surveys by the Electoral Commission have found that younger age groups are less confident in their understanding of politics and voting processes.

Paragra[h 2: The franchise should NOT be extended

Point: The franchise should not be extended because voting requires a sufficient level of political maturity and informed judgement.

Explanation: Democracy depends not just on participation, but on informed participation. Younger citizens may be more susceptible to:

• Political misinformation

• Social media influence

• Peer pressure

Example:

• Around 82% of young people consume news via social media, where misinformation is widesprea on platforms such as Tiktok and X

• Concerns have been raised about the impact of online political content on younger audiences

Analysis: This suggests:

• Younger voters may be more vulnerable to manipulation

• Decisions may be based on emotion or trends rather than policy

• This could weaken the quality of electoral outcomes

Evaluation: Political ignorance is not limited to young people. For example, studies by the Ipsos have shown widespread public misunderstanding of key political issues across all age groups. Additionally, turnout among older voters is higher despite similar exposure to misinformation, suggesting that age alone is not a reliable indicator of political competence.

Paragraph 3: The franchise should NOT be extended

Point: The franchise should not be extended further because the UK already has broad and inclusive suffrage, anf further expansions risks undermining electoral stability

Explanation: The UK has gradually expanded the franchise through reforms such as the Representation of the People Act 1918 and Representation of the People Act 1928, achieving near-universal adult suffrage. Further extensins may raise questions about where limits should be set.

Example:

• Current turnout in UK general elections remains relatively stable (around 60%)

Analysis: This suggests:

• The system is already largely inclusive and legitimate

• Expanding the franchise further may create practical and constitutional challenges

• It risks diluting the value of the vote if extended without clear justification

Evaluation: Challenged by evidence that expanding the franchise can strengthen democracy without destabilising it. For example, following the extension of voting rights to 16–17-year-olds in Scotland, turnout in youth groups remained relatively high and there was no evidence of electoral disruption.