[Toy Soldier]

Originally Posted by Jamesy

Yes, although this is something that should be addressed for all votes. I believe if someone is of age to get married, get a job, learn to drive etc, they should also have the right to vote. I've met some very intelligent and mature 16-17 year olds. Since voting is still a choice in the UK, it will continue to be like many votes where a certain percentage of people do not vote because they're not interested, not like it would automatically mean 16-17 year olds are forced to vote. It's a choice, just like the rest of us always have a choice to vote.

I think that's the important point, really. Most realistic scenario on giving 16 year olds the vote is that the ones who are politically interested will turn up, and the ones who aren't will simply not bother, so it can only be a good thing.

I wish the adults who aren't really politically interested wouldn't show up to vote "because people fought for our votes so we should use them". Meh. Yes, but the responsibility there isn't just turning up on the day, its keeping politically informed in the first place. My wife had a friend texting her on Thirsday, stood outside the polling station, no idea what she was going to vote for, and asking about the implications. It's depressing.

[Jack_]

Originally Posted by Jordan.

Doubt it would have had much affect. Didn't 18-24 have the lowest turnout?

In the Scottish independence referendum, 75% of 16 and 17 year olds voted, which was more than 20% higher than the 18-24 cohort.

Even if it hadn't changed the result (which would surely mean there'd be no problem granting them a vote?), as the saying goes there should be no taxation without representation. The Scots set a great precedent in engaging young people in politics and the rest of the UK should've followed their lead.

Granting 16 and 17 year olds the vote would be the first step in reducing political apathy among the young. There are literally no legitimate arguments against it.

Originally Posted by _Tom_

The whole "this referendum should never have happened" attitude is emblematic of the EU's approach to democracy.

I've thought the referendum shouldn't happen for several years and if you searched hard enough I'm sure there's evidence of such on here of me saying so when holding one was being touted as a manifesto pledge for certain parties.

I've been against it from the start because I always knew the outcome of it would be dictated by a campaign of fear and misinformation propped up by the tabloid press, and I was right. In fact the reality was even worse than I could ever have envisaged since the remain campaign was just as awful and based on fear. No one spoke about the actual benefits of the EU, things that will matter to working people. It was trade, immigration and the economy on repeat for four months. And as a consequence we've ended up with the result I predicted way before the referendum legislation had passed through parliament.

An issue on this scale with the kind of press and politics we have today was never going to work, the electorate are just for the most part way too misinformed to be trusted with such a decision.

[Ross.]

Yes, they should.

Whether they would use it or not is irrelevant to this debate, it's about actually giving them the option too, the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I can't think of one proper reason why anyone would think it isn't a good idea.

[Denver]

Not at all i dont think they are mature enough to make the best decision

Also to thos saying you can get married at 16/17 is that not only with parents permission?

[Greg!]

Originally Posted by Adam.

Not at all i dont think they are mature enough to make the best decision

Also to thos saying you can get married at 16/17 is that not only with parents permission?

I'm 16 and I was "mature enough" as you put it to vote in the Scottish elections last month thanks very much

[Ninastar]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Again this applies to most people throughout their lives, not just teens.



And IMO this is largely meaningless; I was more or less the same person at 21 as I was at 16 and I had been able to vote for 3 years. I am a completely different person now to who I was at 21... and I would say that's true for most 30+ year olds? Does that mean the voting age should be raised to 21+?

I disagree. I believe teens are far more likely to just follow their peers.

As for the rest, I think your point is irrelevant. There's a big difference between 16 - 17 year olds in comparison with 21+ year olds. Of course this is just my opinion and I don't expect you to agree with it.

[Denver]

Originally Posted by Greg!

I'm 16 and I was "mature enough" as You put it to vote in the Scottish elections last month thanks very much

are you mature enough to live alone? Support yourself? Pay bills? Not need help from your parents?

[Jack_]

Again, no taxation without representation is the only real argument you need here. The other issues are just sideshows (important nonetheless, but not as much).

If you agree with one without the other, well then...err...

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Ninastar

I personally don't think so. I think (most) 16 year olds are too easily pressured into just listening to what their friends are doing and I personally don't think (most) 16 year olds are mature enough to make a big decision like voting. I am a completely different person to what I was when I was 16, and I think that is pretty similar with most people.

Truth, Common Sense, and Maturity - at last. Thank you.

[jaxie]

No I don't believe you have the maturity at 16 to make those kind of decisions.

[Mystic Mock]

Well considering 16 is when it's the consenting age when you can have sex then I think that they should be allowed to decide their future.

Some Leavers have even said on Social Media that they only voted to leave to get David Cameron out, I mean who the **** does that!? I don't think that 16-17 year olds would've used that as a reason

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by _Tom_

No.



The whole "this referendum should never have happened" attitude is emblematic of the EU's approach to democracy.

Democracy should also mean that the Media is suppose to point out the pros and cons of both campaigns, not praise everything about Leave, and then point out all of the cons and even add false stuff on so that they could make the EU look bad.

I mean to the people that don't know that we vote in our own MEP's to represent us at the EU, that the EU somehow is responsible for the chaos at the NHS, and then call people like myself uninformed.

I'm no expert by any means, but at least I know the basics.

Also I don't see how it's patriotic to want to damage the country's Economy? You know only the most important thing to keep the country alive.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by MB.

Good thing there aren't any 16 and 17 year olds on this forum for you to patronise further, Johnny

Some older generations hate young people.

Just look at what they did to the free Uni fees.

[Tom4784]

Just like with Wisdom, age isn't a sign of maturity and Leave winning is only proof that adults can be lead as easily as teens.

There's no real reason to not lower the voting age to 16. At worst a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds wouldn't vote but the ones that would are probably more likely to take it seriously then most adults who take it for granted and only vote so they can post about it on Facebook.

[Ammi]

..I think yes, not because 16/17yr olds can do this and can do that at their age because that to me is never a reason..but because this was a decision that is going to greatly effect the future's of 16/17yr old...we recently devoted a week with our 6th years, so ages 10/11yrs olds to the EU Referendum and discussing and debating it and it was inspiring as to how much each child reasoned their views and how aware they were of political views...that's not even something that every eligible voter can do...16/17yr old should have been and should be eligible to vote because they should be educated to be eligible to vote..(in general..)..young people are more technology/IT aware because they're educated to be so...they know Math problems that I would find difficult because they are educated to be able to solve these Math problems...and the same with politics, they should be educated to vote and to reason their voting and then to put it into practise and observe the outcomes of their decisions...