Many are now calling for the age of being eligible to vote to be lowered to the age of 16.
However, one could say is this a wise move when at election it is a fact that a substantial number of people under the age of 25 do not vote, and indeed there are turnouts at some elections as low as 10% as demonstrated in the recent West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner By-Election. Taking this into consideration is there an argument that this could only seek to add to the ever increasing issue of mass disaffection.
Furthermore, in many cases many are unable to name their Local councillors or their MPs, yet alone have an understanding of the system of Governance in the UK.
At 16, you can choose to continue our education, have sex legally, work and pay taxes, even get married, however, you cannot drive until your 17 and indeed not sign legally binding documents such as credit agreements until 18. Just to complicate matters further, I expect.
However, it is important to engage young people into the Political/Governance process both locally and nationally. However, this in my opinion cannot be done by just lowering the age of eligibility to vote, but, needs to be placed on the school curriculum.
In my opinion Year 5/6 needs to have a basic overview of the political system in the UK, locally with their Council and nationally with Parliament.
Followed by a more comprehensive course during Year 9 in order to open their minds.
This can off course be ongoing, however, this clearly needs to be placed on the agenda.
However, prior to any decisions being made, it will be important to have open and meaningful dialogue with 16-18 years olds as oppose to a political decision being made in isolation, as once again history has shown that this would only go to fuel disaffection further.
We want to hear from you in our next edition, therefore 16-18 years olds, please get in touch with your views and comments. Therefore feel free to email me [email protected] .
Desmond Jaddoo
However, one could say is this a wise move when at election it is a fact that a substantial number of people under the age of 25 do not vote, and indeed there are turnouts at some elections as low as 10% as demonstrated in the recent West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner By-Election. Taking this into consideration is there an argument that this could only seek to add to the ever increasing issue of mass disaffection.
Furthermore, in many cases many are unable to name their Local councillors or their MPs, yet alone have an understanding of the system of Governance in the UK.
At 16, you can choose to continue our education, have sex legally, work and pay taxes, even get married, however, you cannot drive until your 17 and indeed not sign legally binding documents such as credit agreements until 18. Just to complicate matters further, I expect.
However, it is important to engage young people into the Political/Governance process both locally and nationally. However, this in my opinion cannot be done by just lowering the age of eligibility to vote, but, needs to be placed on the school curriculum.
In my opinion Year 5/6 needs to have a basic overview of the political system in the UK, locally with their Council and nationally with Parliament.
Followed by a more comprehensive course during Year 9 in order to open their minds.
This can off course be ongoing, however, this clearly needs to be placed on the agenda.
However, prior to any decisions being made, it will be important to have open and meaningful dialogue with 16-18 years olds as oppose to a political decision being made in isolation, as once again history has shown that this would only go to fuel disaffection further.
We want to hear from you in our next edition, therefore 16-18 years olds, please get in touch with your views and comments. Therefore feel free to email me [email protected] .
Desmond Jaddoo