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

[CrystalTipsandAlista1r]

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

Some people of all ages are politically unawares so unless you are going to have a pop quiz to get into the voting booth I don't see the problem. Personally if you aren't going to elected it to 16 year old I think there should also be a maximum voting age. After all the younger you are the longer you have to live with the implications of whoever is voted in.

I don’t understand the argument that having a job = should be able to vote. 14 year olds have jobs, I’m 34 and don’t have a job or pay tax as I’m raising my children. Does that mean the 14 year old should have a vote but not me?

I agree op. Most 16 year old don't have a clue about the vast majority of the issues involved. Maybe they should have to pass some kind of citizenship GCSE in order to get the vote!

I was at university with people who didn't know the name of the PM. (It was Margaret Thatcher.) That was a bit of an eye-opener.

@ferrier not everyone can pass exams, prior with certain learning disabilities wouldn't then be eligible to vote

*people

I have suddenly had visions of John Redwood as Welsh Secretary trying to sing the Welsh anthem ...

Don't forget, given that we're only supposed to have general elections every 5 years* in the UK, giving someone the right to vote at 16 may mean they don't get a chance to vote until they're 21. Obviously, local council elections etc follow different time scales, so they can 'practice' voting in those in the meantime! Given the poor turnout for local elections, that would be a good thing surely?
*unless an incompetent PM is panicking.

It would be good to boost local election turnout. In my ward it's been as low as 20%.

Absolutely. Their parents might not be bothered turning up, but so many local decisions, such as those regarding youth services and public transport, have a direct impact on younger people.