Extend the right to vote to 16 & 17 year olds UK wide

16 and 17 year olds can already vote for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. But, young people in England and Northern Ireland are still denied a voice.

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Following the unanimous decision of the Scottish Parliament to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, and Wales extending the franchise for Welsh Parliamentary elections, it's time that England and Northern Ireland caught up.

Background

Young Voters

Evidence from the Scottish independence referendum shows that 16 and 17 year olds are more than capable of engaging with political issues, and have higher rates of turnout than 18 to 24 year olds.

We are facing an impending turn-out crisis, as each generation votes less than the last. If young people are registered early and get into the habit of voting, we will see lasting improvements in voter turnout. We call on you to help build a better democracy by extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds.