Should Sixteen-Year-Olds have the vote?

By Millie and Kyle

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1946 Britain made a great change to its laws of voting by reducing it to age 18 or over. There were many debates as to whether this was the sensible choice. However nowadays, 18-year-olds have been getting involved in important debates – such as the Scottish referendum and the elections. Now, at the end of 2014 (and the start of 2015), they’re becoming a big role in deciding whether this is the same sensible choice as when the voting law was changed to 18 and over, and they’re even speculating if we should lower the age further, to 16.

Some argue the voting age should be raised, back to 21. On the other hand some would disagree, and raise the fact that at 16/18 you can: buy a house, get married, join the army and many more important life choices. Therefore, surely, they have enough responsibility to not only help Britain, but also the world?

We spoke to a 17 year old, Tim, to find out his opinion towards this , as he would be affected by this large decision. This is what he had to say: “Although it would be very important for 16/17 year olds to have some sort of say as to how their country works, I don’t feel that giving them the vote at such a young age would be something beneficial. The fact that they’re so young means they don’t understand what they’re voting for.” We replied with the fact that 13 year olds pick their GSCEs, which shape their lives at such a young age, to which he seemed shocked. He said “There’s a difference between choosing GSCEs and having a say on how your countries run.”

We also spoke to Andy Thornton, the chief executive of the Citizenship Foundation. He had a more balanced opinion. He said: “I don’t have a strong opinion. I think if education is delivered well then at 16 teenagers should vote. However Citizenship isn’t taught well in most schools and education and voting goes hand in hand.”

Fighting for the 16 year old, was Lindsey, Year 9, The Willink School. Here is what she said: “I do believe that 16 year olds should get the vote as they’re old enough to make their own choices. Such as GCSEs.”

Overall, Tim’s and Lindsey’s argument were very persuasive. However, Andy had the most experienced answer, working with the young himself. Andy had the most persuasive and detailed opinion and makes the best point. Citizenship (and politics) should be taught better and maybe then we can consider lowering the voting age.