Voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c93kkg37n3kt


Around 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans to lower the voting age.

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali tells the BBC the "seismic" change will ensure young people's voices are heard.

She confirms the pledge will be part of a raft of measures introduced through a new Elections Bill.

A pledge to lower the voting age to 16 was included in Labour's election manifesto but it did not feature in last summer's King's Speech, which sets out the government's priorities for the months ahead.

The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales and elections to the Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

However for other elections, including to the UK Parliament, local elections in England and all elections in Northern Ireland, it is 18.

Lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK would be the biggest change to the electorate since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.

So we’ll go from having muppets in charge, to “tele-tubbies”

Great idea 👍 a shame it wasn't introduced before the Brexit vote

If they can be taxed, or are eligible to serve in the military they should have the right to vote.

Already exists in Wales and will be important for the senedd elections next year to get them to vote 👍

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Originally Posted by NYCBlue

If they can be taxed, or are eligible to serve in the military they should have the right to vote.

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They can serve in the military but they can't take part in any active service until 18 years of age. When I was 16 I didn't pay tax because my salary was too low and I would imagine that is true of most 16 year olds. Those arguments are a bit of a stretch and are only being implemented because Labour believe it will be advantageous for their voter base

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

Ridiculous although it was in the Labour Party manifesto. On the other hand many older people are not politically engaged so in that sense lowering the voting age is logical. My difficulties with this is imagining my grandchildren being given the vote. I doubt whether any of them are remotely bothered by the economy or benefits as they live under the impression that they will get a good job and will be able to buy a house at the time of their choosing.

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Originally Posted by Dorcus

Great idea �� a shame it wasn't introduced before the Brexit vote

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Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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Originally Posted by tforturton

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

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good

Brilliant news.

About time.

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Originally Posted by tforturton

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

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Not any more I would have thought.

Good idea either way.

Should set an upper limit too - 60 perhaps? 😁

Joking aside, I think a growing number of young lads are being attracted to Reform for various reasons, so they shouldn't complain. The Tories are the biggest losers from this - their average voter age at the last general election was 63.

https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articl...neral-election

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

Not any more I would have thought.

Good idea either way.

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I support the change - but looking at recent opinion polls (General Election voting intentions) the biggest gainers are likely to be the Greens followed by the Lib Dems.

Labour might gain a bit (if 16-17 year olds have the same profile as 18-25 year olds) and the Tories and Reform will lose out.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/...-polls-by-age/

More people that wrongly think their vote makes any difference to how the country is run.

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Originally Posted by NinianKnight

Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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Originally Posted by delmbox

Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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Great reply except I would have gone for Brexiteer snowflakes.

Too low in my opinion. I think a basic principle is that you have lived a life outside of school and in the world of work before you vote. Obviously nowadays most haven't actually left education at 16 but there is a hell of a lot of living done in the years 16-18.

I also have concerns, as I think it's very open to parental influence at that age.

Also creates inconsistencies with other parts of the law. If a 17 year old is too young to face trial for a murder as they are deemed a child, then why are they capable of making informed decisions about politics, society, the economy etc.

Don't see any need to change it

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Originally Posted by delmbox

Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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EU didn't exist in 1973. Bloody hell, and you remainiacs like to sneer at others about not knowing the facts! 😘

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Originally Posted by jon1959

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c93kkg37n3kt


Around 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans to lower the voting age.

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali tells the BBC the "seismic" change will ensure young people's voices are heard.

She confirms the pledge will be part of a raft of measures introduced through a new Elections Bill.

A pledge to lower the voting age to 16 was included in Labour's election manifesto but it did not feature in last summer's King's Speech, which sets out the government's priorities for the months ahead.

The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales and elections to the Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

However for other elections, including to the UK Parliament, local elections in England and all elections in Northern Ireland, it is 18.

Lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK would be the biggest change to the electorate since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.

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Only if they can vote by Phone!!!, i don't think it's a bad idea TBH on reflection, too many oldies have too much influence in a world where one foot is already in the grave and do not suffer the consequences of their actions.

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

EU didn't exist in 1973. Bloody hell, and you remainiacs like to sneer at others about not knowing the facts! 😘

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Neither did the Ballon D Or.

I doubt it'll have a massive effect in any direction in terms of the polls, it would be nice if this encouraged parties to feature policies that would benefit younger people ahead of those that mostly benefit pensioners.
it probably just means the major parties will start putting out more tiktok content

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Originally Posted by NinianKnight

Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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The people that voted leave should be reminded every day of their life how they buggered things up.

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Originally Posted by splott parker

The people that voted leave should be reminded every day of their life how they buggered things up.

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Wanna play a game of comparing data now to data before the referendum? As shit as things may seem now, 2008-2015 was a much more difficult time.

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Originally Posted by Hilts

Neither did the Ballon D Or.

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I fear this a cultural reference that has gone over my head.. 😔

From my experience most 16/17 year olds know everything.

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Originally Posted by dandywarhol

From my experience most 16/17 year olds know everything.

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And the grown ups running the country have done a great job...

I think it's a good thing, it should incentive parties to actually give a toss about young people rather than pandering solely to the pensioners who have a vice like grip on every single policy in this country

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

Wanna play a game of comparing data now to data before the referendum? As shit as things may seem now, 2008-2015 was a much more difficult time.

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What’s that got to do with it? It’s now that matters. At this moment we’d be better off in the EU than outside looking in. Obstacles being put in our way re. travel/holidays etc. The lies about illegal immigration at that time that’s getting a lot of people’s backs up now. Dangerous people like Farage unbelievably gaining popularity, multi millionaires & billionaires seemingly running the show, right wing media in the UK constantly stirring shite. Together Stronger is a better motto than standing alone.

Right wing fascism in the UK is a worry, no matter how much it’s dressed up.

My eldest is 15 now and I would absolutely trust him to make a sensible decision at an election - it may well be different from the one I would make, but it would be coming from themselves, not from me or any online influencers.

My other two are 11 and 13 - and the idea of either of them both voting at the next election potentially is entirely worrying.

Great idea letting children vote! May as well let 12 years olds as well.

As regards the EU they didn't like us when we were in and now we're out they hate us.
They only like our money.

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Originally Posted by Pedro de la Rosa

I think it's a good thing, it should incentive parties to actually give a toss about young people rather than pandering solely to the pensioners who have a vice like grip on every single policy in this country

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This.

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Originally Posted by Chilled of Llanishen

As regards the EU they didn't like us when we were in and now we're out they hate us.
They only like our money.

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The UK were one of the major players in the EU, the idea that all the other member nations were all mates together and hated the UK is laughable borderline-xenophobic nonsense that you used to see spewed over the pages of the daily mail every morning.

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Originally Posted by Rjk

The UK were one of the major players in the EU, the idea that all the other member nations were all mates together and hated the UK is laughable borderline-xenophobic nonsense that you used to see spewed over the pages of the daily mail every morning.

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The EU was obviously playing 4D reverse chess mind games reverse psychology when they spoke about wanting the UK to remain.

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Originally Posted by lardy

The EU was obviously playing 4D reverse chess mind games reverse psychology when they spoke about wanting the UK to remain.

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Unfortunately there's still some lingerers who haven't woken up and smelled the coffee. Happily they are a dwindling band nowadays.

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

Too low in my opinion. I think a basic principle is that you have lived a life outside of school and in the world of work before you vote. Obviously nowadays most haven't actually left education at 16 but there is a hell of a lot of living done in the years 16-18.

I also have concerns, as I think it's very open to parental influence at that age.

Also creates inconsistencies with other parts of the law. If a 17 year old is too young to face trial for a murder as they are deemed a child, then why are they capable of making informed decisions about politics, society, the economy etc.

Don't see any need to change it

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You are a Reform supporter now, aren't you James? And would have voted Trump if you were in the USA last election and eligible?

The days of Respect and 'Gorgeous George' Galloway are long behind you.

I see your argument about experiencing life outside school before being allowed to vote. An interesting standard you have set there.

What is your opinion about Reform selecting an 18 year old brand new councillor to head Warwickshire County Council and its £500m annual budget?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyq62072q9o.amp

It's a shame it wasn't introduced before the Brexit vote, so more people would've forgotten to turn up.

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

Too low in my opinion. I think a basic principle is that you have lived a life outside of school and in the world of work before you vote. Obviously nowadays most haven't actually left education at 16 but there is a hell of a lot of living done in the years 16-18.

I also have concerns, as I think it's very open to parental influence at that age.

Also creates inconsistencies with other parts of the law. If a 17 year old is too young to face trial for a murder as they are deemed a child, then why are they capable of making informed decisions about politics, society, the economy etc.

Don't see any need to change it

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You also do lots of living between 18 and 21, and from 21 to 25, people change the whole way through their lives.

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Originally Posted by NinianKnight

Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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9 years on in fact and us "Remoaners" are still aghast at the crass stupidity of it. Still, when you think about it 9 years is nothing when you consider historians still bemoan the idiocy of the Charge of the Light Brigade and that was about 170 years ago 😂