Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

[Jack_]

Discuss.

[Lucy.]

Yes. It annoys me that I can't vote till next year when I personally believe I am in the right frame of mind to be able to make an informed decision. If we can have sex which can result in something as big as teen parenthood why can't we vote?

[Beastie]

No. The sprogs can wait ;)

[Scarlett.]

I agree with what Nate said in the Lib Dem thread, there would be some 16 year olds who would be twats and vote BNP and Monster Raving Looney

[Smithy]

Yes
Not necessarily to 16, but if you can drive at 17 surely you should be able to vote.

Although in saying that, I probably wouldn't vote anyway, they're all a bunch of arseholes

[Smithy]

I agree with what Nate said in the Lib Dem thread, there would be some 16 year olds who would be twats and vote BNP and Monster Raving Looney

But saying that it was the Monster Raving Looney Party who originally had the idea to lower it from 21 to 18

[Harry!]

I agree with what Nate said in the Lib Dem thread, there would be some 16 year olds who would be twats and vote BNP and Monster Raving Looney

Maybe they should provide a short sentence saying why they are voting for that party. Any unreasonable reasons there vote wont be counted.

Or maybe have a test to see how mature they are for voting?

[Patrick]

Yes.

16 It should be.

[Scarlett.]

But saying that it was the Monster Raving Looney Party who originally had the idea to lower it from 21 to 18
They also suggest the channel tunnel should become a no fly zone and chocolate should be available on prescription...these guys arent a serious party

[Stacey.]

nah, i think it should be left at 18.

[Beastie]

nah, i think it should be left at 18.

Wise words Stacey :)

[Smithy]

They also suggest the channel tunnel should become a no fly zone and chocolate should be available on prescription...these guys arent a serious party

The Chunnel already is a no fly zone :tongue:

I know they aren't a serious party, but they do have a couple of ideas which are good.
But thats all: A couple

[Jack_]

I very much doubt [under the current system at least] a selection of twatty kids voting for a joke party, would make much difference.

Personally, I find it illogical that some politicians are trying to grasp the attention of young people, yet are against decreasing the voting age.

[Harry!]

You could have a short corse GCSE in Politics introduced into schools. At the time of recieving your offical results in august most students are aged 16 then.

Maybe that should be the way forward?

[Shasown]

But saying that it was the Monster Raving Looney Party who originally had the idea to lower it from 21 to 18

Rubbish. The Monster Raving Loony Party was formed in 1983 by Screaming Lord Sutch (David Sutch - rock musician)

Voting was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1969. Although Lord Sutch under of the banner of The National Teenage party stood against Harold Wilson in Huyton, Lancashire In 1966. Campaigning for legalisation of commerical radio and legalisation of 18 year olds to vote. Lowering the voting age was also mentioned in the Labour Manifesto. Incidentally he didnt get elected.

Believe it or not it was lowered by the Labour Party for the same reasons that they bandied about lowering it to 16. Because they anticipated that 18-21 year olds were more likely to be left wing. In other words re-elect them. Its good to be a pawn isnt it?

When you realise its not about giving you more rights or trusting you its simply about making sure Labour get more votes, then you will be promoted.

So no. I think its wrong to manipulate teenagers






Its good to be the king.

[30stone]

No.

[Enid]

No. Stupid idea. Kids are morons. Hell, most people are morons and should not be allowed to vote.

[Spike]

Yes. I haven't heard a good argument against it being lowered

[Callum]

Yes - I really wanted to vote this year

[Stacey.]

my mum even says she doesn't know much about it, and she's 45. :laugh:

[Stephanie]

my mum even says she doesn't know much about it, and she's 45. :laugh:
well that's her own fault lol.

[Stacey.]

well that's her own fault lol.

i know, but she ain't really interested - and just votes for what my dad says to vote for.
so i think 16 is too young for some really.

[GypsyGoth]

I think they should.

[setanta]

What's the age restriction on the XFactor?

[Jack_]

What's the age restriction on the XFactor?

16. It was 14 for two years though, iirc.

[Brekkie]

i know, but she ain't really interested - and just votes for what my dad says to vote for.

Emmeline Pankhurst would be proud.

And keep it at eighteen I say.

[setanta]

16. It was 14 for two years though, iirc.

I rest my case.

[InOne]

If it was lowered, I bet you'd get a massive rise in BNP votes.

[GypsyGoth]

Why, not all teenagers are racist? I don't think I am at all.

[Shaun]

Keep it at 18. There's enough moronic 18 year olds and older who've got the right, I'd rather there weren't more.

[setanta]

Why, not all teenagers are racist? I don't think I am at all.

Nah, but alot of them are rebels without a cause.

[InOne]

Why, not all teenagers are racist? I don't think I am at all.

People from large estates are easily brainwashed by the BNP, especially the younger ones.

[GypsyGoth]

People from large estates are easily brainwashed by the BNP, especially the younger ones.

That is sad.

[Harry!]

As I said maybe they should pass a exam to be allowed to vote. And that exam is optional.

[Shasown]

As I said maybe they should pass a exam to be allowed to vote. And that exam is optional.

That would infringe the rights of numpties who cant pass exams or string a sentence together properly, why should they be disadvantaged.

[Harry!]

That would infringe the rights of numpties who cant pass exams or string a sentence together properly, why should they be disadvantaged.

But the exams would prove that they are sensible and can make the right choices. If they are smart enough to pass a exam then they are smart enought to vote.

Just a idea though.

[Nicky.]

Being 16 myself, I'd say yes. But, I don't think I'd trust about 80% of the rest of the people in my year to make an informed decision... and I won't even spend time thinking they may be able to... there is no way! They wouldn't even be bothered to watch the election things on the TV or read the stuff in papers xx

[Shasown]

But the exams would prove that they are sensible and can make the right choices. If they are smart enough to pass a exam then they are smart enought to vote.

Just a idea though.

So if they lowered the voting age to 16, and then insisted on an exam to pass, wouldnt those who failed be able to claim that they were being discriminated against on the grounds of their stupidity. Couldnt they also ask for the exam to be extended to all voters in order to be fair.

Lets face it I know some over 18's who would fail that sort of exam. Stupidity doesnt just disappear on your 18th birthday.

[MeMyselfAndI]

We did Mock Election at school. i dont really under but i voted for Monster something as my friends did. It went.
1 Monster
2 Liberal Conservatives
3 BNP
there were 5 persisions i just cant remember others

[Braden]

We did Mock Election at school. i dont really under but i voted for Monster something as my friends did. It went.
1 Monster
2 Liberal Conservatives
3 BNP
there were 5 persisions i just cant remember others

Was it the Monster Raving Loony party?

And we did the same, Liberal Democrats was the clear winner for us.

[Shasown]

We did Mock Election at school. i dont really under but i voted for Monster something as my friends did. It went.
1 Monster
2 Liberal Conservatives
3 BNP
there were 5 persisions i just cant remember others

Proof positive for lowering the voting age to 13?

[MeMyselfAndI]

Was it the Monster Raving Loony party?

And we did the same, Liberal Democrats was the clear winner for us.

yh i didnt have a clue lol. Just follow the crowd

[MeMyselfAndI]

Proof positive for lowering the voting age to 13?
I wanna vote lol

[Lemo]

no too many 16 year olds are too immature

[Zippy]

No way. It's too important and they don't have enough experience of life at that age. They haven't even lived as an adult yet or paid proper living expenses etc

[WOMBAI]

No - they would vote for who their fav celeb votes for or some equally daffy reason!

[Angus]

So if they lowered the voting age to 16, and then insisted on an exam to pass, wouldnt those who failed be able to claim that they were being discriminated against on the grounds of their stupidity. Couldnt they also ask for the exam to be extended to all voters in order to be fair.

Lets face it I know some over 18's who would fail that sort of exam. Stupidity doesnt just disappear on your 18th birthday.

I totally agree. Everyone over 18 should have to take the exam in the same way you need a licence to drive, you should get a licence to vote. I would have no problem with that at all. After all if you don't have a clue as to the major issues, and the solutions being put forward by the opposing parties, then you really shouldn't be let near a ballot box to cast a vote which is going to affect the lives of everyone in this country. Any vote should be from an informed voter.

[Brekkie]

But the exams would prove that they are sensible and can make the right choices. If they are smart enough to pass a exam then they are smart enought to vote.

Just a idea though.
And if they fail they can become candidates for parliament!

[WOMBAI]

And if they fail they can become candidates for parliament!

Very good! :joker:

[Braden]

It's annoying how your all saying a two year difference is going to make such a problem.

People who are saying that we would vote for BNP & The Monster Raving Loony Party are stupid because firstly, i'm fourteen years old and i'm and many others getting taught politics and already have a clear vision of what i'm going to do, and your also big disrespectful to the people who vote BNP seriously, just because they have their own opinions doesn't mean you have to belittle and make out that younger people would do the same, because I know most of us won't.

[Angus]

It's annoying how your all saying a two year difference is going to make such a problem.

People who are saying that we would vote for BNP & The Monster Raving Loony Party are stupid because firstly, i'm fourteen years old and i'm and many others getting taught politics and already have a clear vision of what i'm going to do, and your also big disrespectful to the people who vote BNP seriously, just because they have their own opinions doesn't mean you have to belittle and make out that younger people would do the same, because I know most of us won't.


It's good that you already have a clear vision of what you are going to do, but politics is not a static entity, it has to exist in the world of today, and the world in which you will live when you are old enough to vote, may not be the same one we have today. You have to be able to use your life experiences and intellect to assess what are the important issues facing the country at that time, and vote accordingly, not just cling on to outdated and maybe impossibly idealistic views held by you when you were a kid.

[Beastie]

An exam which we have to pass in order to vote would be stupid. The politicians themselves don't even give us straight answers. Most people are just confused really, not stupid.

[cupid stunt]

they should lower the voting age to 10, after all if 10 yr olds are old enuff to get arrested then let them vote, maybe then we dont have to see labour or tories win like usual

[Zippy]

It's annoying how your all saying a two year difference is going to make such a problem.



Well following that logic, why not make it 14 instead of 16? Or 12 instead of 14? See, you could go on and on.

There has to be a cut off age that generalises about how ready people are to make informed, important decisions. Those 2 years between 16 and 18 are very crucial because its usually when young people really start to get a sense of the difference between adulthood and childhood. It's a transitional period and the end result is you reach 18 and are officially an adult. With which you are handed bigger responsibilities. Voting for who runs the country is a big deal and the more mature and sensible you are the better the chances that you don't put incompetent folk in power. Simples.

[cupid stunt]

Id rather have monster raving party in power than brown and cameron!

[arista]

Id rather have monster raving party in power than brown and cameron!


You Are Out Of Luck

As David with Nick's help
will take power soon.

[cupid stunt]

no if anything brown and clegg will join together
to be honest mate i dont give 2 ****s who wins as long they increase benefits and legalise weed like amsterdam

[Tom4784]

Well following that logic, why not make it 14 instead of 16? Or 12 instead of 14? See, you could go on and on.

There has to be a cut off age that generalises about how ready people are to make informed, important decisions. Those 2 years between 16 and 18 are very crucial because its usually when young people really start to get a sense of the difference between adulthood and childhood. It's a transitional period and the end result is you reach 18 and are officially an adult. With which you are handed bigger responsibilities. Voting for who runs the country is a big deal and the more mature and sensible you are the better the chances that you don't put incompetent folk in power. Simples.

I agree with this.

[Brekkie]

I agree with Zippy (though of course ultimately all politicians are incompetent!) Just enjoy being a kid/teenager while you can.

Interesting that a 14-year old managed to vote after some bumbling official sent him a voting card. Now, he seemed smart enough in his rational behind tactically voting for the Lib Dems, but showed his childlike stupidity afterwards in bragging about it and getting himself arrested.

[Braden]

Well following that logic, why not make it 14 instead of 16? Or 12 instead of 14? See, you could go on and on.

There has to be a cut off age that generalises about how ready people are to make informed, important decisions. Those 2 years between 16 and 18 are very crucial because its usually when young people really start to get a sense of the difference between adulthood and childhood. It's a transitional period and the end result is you reach 18 and are officially an adult. With which you are handed bigger responsibilities. Voting for who runs the country is a big deal and the more mature and sensible you are the better the chances that you don't put incompetent folk in power. Simples.

I suppose you right,I think they should lower it to when people actully learn and understand politics.And also their manifestos don't just include people over eighteen, alot of it can help and hinder people like myself in senior school.

[lily.]

No way. It's too important and they don't have enough experience of life at that age. They haven't even lived as an adult yet or paid proper living expenses etc

This.

The reason the voting age is 18 is because you are no longer a child by the time you are 18. You may or may not have a lot of life experience depending on your home situation, but chances are you are paying your own way in life somehow, and aware of how things work in the adult world.

At 16, you are definitely not paying your own way and probably not clued up on how things work in the adult world.

[Locke.]

Nope, should be kept at 18. Too many kids would be voting for things that they either didn't know anything about or didn't care about.

[setanta]

I totally agree. Everyone over 18 should have to take the exam in the same way you need a licence to drive, you should get a licence to vote. I would have no problem with that at all. After all if you don't have a clue as to the major issues, and the solutions being put forward by the opposing parties, then you really shouldn't be let near a ballot box to cast a vote which is going to affect the lives of everyone in this country. Any vote should be from an informed voter.

Sorry, but that's not how a democratic society works. It's like saying all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.

[Angus]

Sorry, but that's not how a democratic society works. It's like saying all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.

Well the insane are not allowed to vote on the grounds that they do not know what they are voting for. Using that reasoning, I am saying there could be millions of people who vote who may have no clear idea what they are voting for, yet we ALL have to suffer the consequences of the choices they make. It is certainly the democratic right of anyone to be ignorant, but it is my human right not to suffer the consequences of that ignorance.

As for democracy, which kind are you referring to since there are several varieties? In the UK it is the majority rule, though some would argue that it is tyranny by majority, depending on which side of the ideological spectrum you're on. In this country people are villified for supporting the BNP, for example, yet that is their democratic right to do so, whether you or I like it.
Therefore the rule of the majority becomes the tyranny of the majority but hey ho, it's still democracy!

If people are going to make UNINFORMED choices that affect the outcome of something as important as choosing a government, then there should be safeguards in place. Otherwise your argument to allow everyone to vote should be extended to include all exempt groups on the grounds that not allowing them to do so infringes THEIR human rights.

[setanta]

Well the insane are not allowed to vote on the grounds that they do not know what they are voting for. Using that reasoning, I am saying there could be millions of people who vote who may have no clear idea what they are voting for, yet we ALL have to suffer the consequences of the choices they make. It is certainly the democratic right of anyone to be ignorant, but it is my human right not to suffer the consequences of that ignorance.

As for democracy, which kind are you referring to since there are several varieties? In the UK it is the majority rule, though some would argue that it is tyranny by majority, depending on which side of the ideological spectrum you're on. In this country people are villified for supporting the BNP, for example, yet that is their democratic right to do so, whether you or I like it.
Therefore the rule of the majority becomes the tyranny of the majority but hey ho, it's still democracy!

If people are going to make UNINFORMED choices that affect the outcome of something as important as choosing a government, then there should be safeguards in place. Otherwise your argument to allow everyone to vote should be extended to include all exempt groups on the grounds that not allowing them to do so infringes THEIR human rights.

And where does this kind of reasoning end? The cornerstones of any democracy are equal rights and freedoms for all, which you would be suppressing or basically opposing by enforcing this kind of law. I would rather have a society that promotes free speech and a say for all than have one where the most important decisions on the running of the state are dictated by a minority of citizens. Like I said before, it doesn't work that way.

[Angus]

And where does this kind of reasoning end? The cornerstones of any democracy are equal rights and freedoms for all, which you would be suppressing or basically opposing by enforcing this kind of law. I would rather have a society that promotes free speech and a say for all than have one where the most important decisions on the running of the state are dictated by a minority of citizens. Like I said before, it doesn't work that way.


Where have I said that any minority would surpress or oppose the votes of others by the enforcement of law? For a start how would that come about? You seem to have missed my point somewhere. I am not saying that anyone should be excluded from voting but surely they should have some clue as to WHAT they are voting for, for their own sakes as much as anyone else's. You only need to look around England now and realise that our so called democracy is NOT working since there are not equal rights and freedoms for all - some people are more equal than others it seems. The democracy we have in this country is the consensus of the majority over the minority - that is how we run our elections after all. The rule of majority consensus is the cornerstone of democracy in this country, and in order to pass any law would require a majority vote, so therefore would be deemed democratic.

And this is why the Human Rights legislation is fundamentally flawed since one person's human rights often infringes on another person's human rights - so whose rights should take precedence? Again the decision would have to come down to MAJORITY consensus.

[Jack_]

Was about to make a new thread and then I discovered this one. So, two years on, has anyone's opinion changed and what does everyone else think?

[Nedusa]

Yes , if people can marry at 16 then they are adults in the eyes of the law. As such they should have the Vote...!!!

[MTVN]

Kizzy made a thread relatively recently about lowering the voting age, I'll say the same here

I think 16 year olds should definitely be able to vote in general elections, by the time the government that gets elected finishes its term they'll be 21 and will have been quite heavily affected by a lot of the policies that were carried out, only fair they should get their say in it

[Marsh.]

Yes , if people can marry at 16 then they are adults in the eyes of the law. As such they should have the Vote...!!!

Only get married with parental consent. Not very grown up if you still require parent's permission.

[nicole_burks]

Most 18 year olds don't even know what they're doing when they vote.
They just see "oh hey all my friends are voting for so-and-so so i'll do the same." 16 year olds would do the same.

[Marsh.]

Well I didn't bother voting when I was 18. I didn't know what the hell to do so didn't bother.

[LemonJam]

My local government lowered the voting age to 16 a while ago and not many people ages 16-18 actually voted iirc. I think that it should be lowered everywhere personally.

[Munchkins]

Mhm i really don't see the point really, why can't everyone just wait until 18 as it has been for a long time
And i say this as a 16 year old, who looks forward to voting

[Mystic Mock]

Oh I wish I could be allowed to vote as I would then start camping for a party that deserves a chance in charge instead of the two bloated parties.

[Ninastar]

definitely not.

[the truth]

no

[Alf]

you should be able to when you leave school and are out earning money or gone on to further education or claiming state bennifits for that matter, but there's still 16 year old's at school, so no to 16 but yes to finished high school.

[the truth]

you should be able to when you leave school and are out earning money or gone on to further education or claiming state bennifits for that matter, but there's still 16 year old's at school, so no to 16 but yes to finished high school.

too expensive to administer, and the administrators are too lazy to do so anyway

[Nedusa]

Only get married with parental consent. Not very grown up if you still require parent's permission.

True.... But since they could find themselves parents pretty quickly they probably would have to grow up in a very short time.

[SharkAttack]

Surprised there hasn't been a poll put up for this, but only those *over* the age of 16 can vote in it. If it passes, they can add in their votes as well. ;)