A MOTION from Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams to lower the voting age to 16 has been backed by Parliament (The Press, January 26).
He will now attempt to pass a bill on the issue, eight years after his last Private Member’s Bill lost by eight votes. I believe lowering the voting age is the right thing to do for a number of reasons.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds already enjoy a long list of rights and responsibilities, including leaving school (currently), paying taxes, joining the Army and gaining full rights over their medical treatment. The age of consent is also 16.
If we give young people these rights, why do we exclude them from the democratic process?
Reform would also bring us into line with other parts of the UK – the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have lowered their voting age.
Scottish youngsters will vote in the referendum next year, while the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies support votes at 16.
Last week’s vote received cross-party support. If this continues and the Government helps find Parliamentary time for the bill, then this long-overdue change can happen.
Coun Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for education, children and young people, City of York Council.
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