16 year olds to be given the right to vote…….yes or no?

FriedGreenTomatoes2

They may well vote for Reform, Green or Corbyn’s new party (if it materialises). Sultana & Corbyn. Apparently the bookies have dubbed it the ‘Fruit & Nut’ party which did make me chuckle!

They may well do - that will be up to them.

The right to vote isn’t given based on what party you intend to vote for.

My experience of 16 & 17 years olds, which is considerable, suggests that many will research, think critically and consider all options before committing their X to a party.

Unlike many older voters!

As OldFrill says “why are auld folk so scared of young folk” 🤔

Allira

Spinnaker

Let's hope then that the age limit is lifted in a court of law now then - no more age protection when they commit a crime to stop them being identified. Adults - of course they are 😂

I think we have to re-define at what age a child becomes an adult, as society as a whole seems confused. 🙂

Absolutely Allira - what a shambolic mess it all is. You never know, the kids might put some sensible laws in place to overcome the confusion 🤞

Primrose53

henetha

Absolutely no from me. It's a desperate attempt by the labour party to grab young idealistic votes from teenagers, the majority of whom don't know enough about politics.

Exactly what I was about to say! Starmer thinks they will all vote Labour. 🤣🤣

Loads will think Reform is a cool new rebellious political party and vote for them, I can just see it😄 that’s if they can be bothered to vote at all.

Just because I disagree with this proposal does not mean that I am scared of young folk.

What a silly assumption!

Nobody is scared of young folk, unless they’re knife wielding in the street.
Most just think giving the vote to those considered children a bad joke.

No. At 16 I did not want to vote at that age because, despite a life long interest in politics. I felt I had too little experience of life to make an informed judgement.

That was a school debate around 65 years ago and nothing that has happened since has cchanged my mind on this topic.

Some very defensive reactions. I wonder why?

LizzieDrip

Some very defensive reactions. I wonder why?

Because we think that giving the vote to children a poor idea?

No, definitely not.

LizzieDrip

Some very defensive reactions. I wonder why?

Maybe because those who are not overly enamoured with this proposal have been on the receiving end of some rather silly and what could be construed as goady posts…

LizzieDrip

Some very defensive reactions. I wonder why?

How do you feel about 16 year olds being classed as an adult for all purposes in the U.K.?

Mollygo

Allira

I think we have to re-define at what age a child becomes an adult, as society as a whole seems confused.

Just this. 16 is either the new adulthood or it isn’t.
It should not be an area where anybody, the government, the justice system or any other body can alter the definition to suit their purposes.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Oreo

Mollygo

Allira

I think we have to re-define at what age a child becomes an adult, as society as a whole seems confused.

Just this. 16 is either the new adulthood or it isn’t.
It should not be an area where anybody, the government, the justice system or any other body can alter the definition to suit their purposes.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Exactly.

Oreo
Because we think that giving the vote to children a poor idea?

Oh no!
Does that mean that all those who disagree are not blessed with being acquainted with any of the
16-17 year olds who know a lot about politics,
take an interest in politics or even will research, think critically and consider all options before committing their X to a party.

Or is it just that many of us have experience, which is considerable, of 16-17 year olds and at the same time, don’t dismiss older people?

Oreo

Casdon

Yes from me. We’ve had voting at 16 in Welsh elections since 2021. Young voters take their responsibility more seriously than a lot of older people do.

If they can get off their phons long enough and be arsed to walk to a polling station.Or does the school march them there?

Oreo, you often make valid points but they are drowned out by your language, can’t you make a point without rudeness?

Unfortunately we get set in our ways as we age and afraid of change.
I certainly don't think this is a desperate ploy by Labour, as some suggest, infact I think it's more likely to encourage more extreme right or left views but hey, if everyone voted who could, surely it would be a far better balance?

60% turn out usually at a general election. In the 1920s and 30s it was nearer 80%

Crossstitchfan

Oreo

Casdon

Yes from me. We’ve had voting at 16 in Welsh elections since 2021. Young voters take their responsibility more seriously than a lot of older people do.

If they can get off their phons long enough and be arsed to walk to a polling station.Or does the school march them there?

Oreo, you often make valid points but they are drowned out by your language, can’t you make a point without rudeness?

😁
That’s something my Nan would have said.Apologies if you’re a very elderly lady , but ‘can’t be arsed’ is just another way of saying can’t be bothered.

GrannyGravy13

LizzieDrip

A definite YES from me.

16 year olds can work, pay tax, serve in the armed forces. They should have the right to voice an opinion about the future of their country.

After all, the future is theirs … not ours!

Under 18’s need parental permission to join U.K. armed forces.

They cannot be deployed to combat zones until they reach the age of 18.

Young people under the age of 21 are dealt with differently in our law courts. Different sentence lengths etc.

You cannot marry in the U.K. without parents permission until you are 18.

You cannot drive until you are 17.

You cannot buy alcohol until you are 18.

You cannot leave education until you are 18, the exception being if you get an apprenticeship.

To summarise you are not an adult at 16.

I agree with you.

No - they are still at school!

Working daily with children this age I'm not expecting miracles

Many just wouldn't bother

Also the only politician that makes any breakthrough with this age is Farage. Very popular on social media which is what they look at.

It doesn't bother or worry me. I just don't think it necessary .

Cronesrule

Also, I am cynical about the motive. More likely to vote to get rid of “triple lock” for example. They won’t be able to see they are harming themselves/their own future.. When you are 16, being 60 plus seems ancient and inconceivably far in the distance. Also, anyone noticed how “boomer” is used as an insult these days by many younger people. The arrogance of youth it used to be called. It is actually quite frightening.

It's extremely unlikely the state pension will exist at all when they are the age for it. We should be grateful we still get it because it's obviously going to be phased out.

Grammeretto in the dim and distant past adults took voting seriously and many older adults still do.
Younger voters will still vote as long as they remember to do it o voting doesn’t conflict with their social plans.
What kids of 16 will do is anybody’s guess.

Mollygo

Oreo
Because we think that giving the vote to children a poor idea?

Oh no!
Does that mean that all those who disagree are not blessed with being acquainted with any of the
16-17 year olds who know a lot about politics,
take an interest in politics or even will research, think critically and consider all options before committing their X to a party.

Or is it just that many of us have experience, which is considerable, of 16-17 year olds and at the same time, don’t dismiss older people?

😂

No from me for many reason that have already been mentioned. This will be an extra vote for all parents with 16 year old as they are highly unlikely to be that politically aware.
Surely this will have to be come law and go through both Houses?
Also, could an other Government rescind this in the following term?

GrannyGravy13

Just because I disagree with this proposal does not mean that I am scared of young folk.

What a silly assumption!

Same here GG13 ✔️