to think that lowering the voting age to 16 is a stupid idea?

[CrystalTipsandAlista1r]

in fact, I'd rather it was raised to 25.

UABU Why do you think that?!

yabu. If you can leave school at 16 and get a job, you should be able to vote.

Yes, I agree I don't think it's mature enough on the whole.

because 16 year olds, in general, haven't got the awareness of the world to make that kind of decision

So assuming you're not simply being goady, you feel that people who may be in further education, have jobs or families, and potentially been paying taxes for 9 years shouldn't have the right to have a say in who sits in the government?
Is it because they don't vote for the "right" people?

also, as most young people are left-leaning, it's a cynical ploy by Labour to get more votes.

Well Scotland allowed 16yos to vote and they all voted because they had seen braveheart rather than because they were politically informed

The 16 year olds I know are far more politically aware than, for example, my PILs who are in their late 70s.

Oh you’re just trying to be goady. Who says 25 year olds do?

ok, so I was being light hearted (not goady) in the message. 18 still seems like the absolute minimum age IMO

Well, they let you vote. Presumably. And you seem a bit unaware.

I used to be against it, lack of maturity. However I think the young need more of a say as they are facing a very different future compared to previous generations.

Raised to 25?

Some people qualify as doctors aged 23-24.

So some people should be able to make life and death decisions and be in charge of treating critically unwell people but not have a say in who governs the country?

Right.

why?

I can see arguments for and against. Some sixteen year olds won't have the maturity needed to vote in an election, my brother being one of them. But lots will. And on key issues like Brexit, which will have one of the longest affects on sixteen year olds, is it not right they get a say in their future?

Would many 16 year olds even vote? I'm sure someone will corect me if I'm wrong but I thought that the number of young people voting was low.

*correct

because 16 year olds, in general, haven't got the awareness of the world to make that kind of decision

and everyone 18+ has!

I give you UKIP ffs

the 16 year olds can't make a worse job of it!

Oh and my DD is 16 this year and damn right she would vote - she's planning on being an MP!

I have two 16 year olds in my house and neither of them could give me a semi decent reason of how they would vote.

My 18 year old on the other hand has very clear ideas of how he should vote.

According to YouGov the youth vote increased by 16% at the last General Election @*PleaseDon'tGoadTheToad

she's planning on being an MP!

I have been using this topic as a discussion with 16 to 18 year old students this term and so far they have all decided that it is a bad idea as they say they lack knowledge and interest in politics. I tend to agree.

If you can work and pay taxes at sixteen or join the forces and serve your country, if you can become a parent and have your own property, you should also be entitled to vote.

Some 16 year olds haven't got the maturity, and many of them still won't at 18, 21, 30 or 50.

Many 16 year olds have got the maturity and I'd rather see early political engagement.