Votes at 16
Votes at 16 is a coalition campaign for 16 and 17 year olds to be able to vote in all UK public elections
Launched in 2003, it is made up of over 40 leading youth and democracy organisations from across the UK. The Votes at 16 campaign is supported by thousands of young people and people of all ages, as well as politicians of all parties and institutions.
The campaign's main aim is to get political system to recognise the abilities of 16 year olds. They want to make sure you are included in society, to show you the respect that society expects by giving you the right to vote.
Watch this video to find out more:
"Over 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds are currently denied the vote in the UK."
We want to know what you think, leave us a comment below! If you are 16 and want to find out more, visit the Votes at 16 website, www.votesat16.org
Tell us what you think - do you think the age for voting should be lowered to 16?
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Ben
No, if 16 year olds were allowed to vote, a lot of people wouldn't take the vote seriously, and vote for something stupid. A lot of 16 year olds don't know enough about politics to be able to vote.
Chloe
You've got to compare this to the average teenager. Most at 16 don't know what the word 'democracy' means and most of those don't even care, which is a shame but a real barrier to this issue. There won't be much support. I think the two years of waiting is useful to find out about how society works. I am only finding out myself at 17.
I actually feel a bit intimidated by the thought of being able to vote rather than feeling like an adult.
I also have to comment on this; I can't believe someone compared this to the fight of the suffragists so many years ago. Their struggle was far harder and their basic human right of voting as a British citizen was well earned.
We are 16. I wish we would get more info on voting and be taken into consideration far more but I don't think we're ready to actually vote. Let it be.
Chloe
Actually... being allowed to vote in local town elections would be a good idea. We could gain experience from it and it would have a more direct (but not as heavy) impact. But otherwise I'm still against the protesting.
Jack
Other countries let 16 year olds drink. They openly talk about sex. They can vote at 16.
Look how little problems they have... all because they treat things casually rather than a big deal. Like a big family rather than different classes of popularity.
Just a thought.
Paris
I don't think 16 year old should be allowed vote in general
election at that age, the majority of people around that age do not
take politics seriously.
I know many people if given the chance at 16 would have voted for
the monster raving loony party just to spite the government and
because it's funny and with the economy as it is we can't afford
for things like that to happen.
However, I do think it's such a shame that those who do have the
majority level and understand at that age can't take up the chance
to vote, I know I would of loved to have been able to vote at 16
but unfortunately you can't say to one person you can vote and then
say to another person you can't because you don't think they have
the maturity level. It would become a slippery slop one that best
to avoid all together really.
I may not think being allowed to vote in general elections is a
good idea for 16 year olds but I do think it would be good for them
to be able to vote in local town elections.
It would give them experience into how much their vote can affect
things and it would make it more personal and interesting to them.
I think this is something that should be looked at.
Sarav
In my opinion, I think that after the age of 12, kids tend to be fill with knowledge about the government and politics. My class knew who they wanted to run *THEIR* country and why. They had also listened to speeches from the leaders of all three parties. I think that at the age of 16, you tend to know what you are doing and if not, it is a choice and I think that majority will find it a privilege and will take part. On the whole I think that voting SHOULD be lowered to 16!!!
Alex
No, the voting age should not be reduced to 16. However there are many other ways to include young people in the political process.
Many young people at 16 barely know about politics anyway, and that is why political education should be introduced.
Also, if young people want to get involved with the political process they can join a youth council or a political party youth wing.
Amira
I have strong feelings that 16 year olds should be able to vote. Being 13 myself, I think democracy and politics are being introduced slowly into our minds, and we're getting more familiar with concepts that could change our lives. The fact that 16 year olds have just done their GCSEs also boosts their levels of "adulthood", makes them more mature and have a real look at what it's like to work hard. Given the opportunity, I think lots of 16 year olds would benefit knowing that they're being heard - their vote counts.
Aisha
I dont think 16 year olds should be able to vote, because they should actually be concentrating on ther studies. They have just come out of high school and done their GCSEs. They are not mature enough to make a big decison. Despite the fact of not letting them vote because the mojority arn't able, there still are a few who I think are responsible to make a right desision.