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.
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. It's simply a better age to start voting.
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. It's time to extend the vote to 16.
Let's make sure our elections don't exclude 16 and 17 year olds >>
“End the inequality - we need votes at 16 across the UK”
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