Votes at 16

Written by Councillor Paul Elgood and published in Latest 7 on Tue 18th Oct 2005

A 16 year old can leave school, get married, have a full-time job, pay taxes, join the armed forces and die for their country. But they cannot vote, this is wrong.

With the introduction of citizenship onto the national curriculum at key stages 3 and 4 young people will reach the age of 16 with a high level of understanding of politics, society and how we are governed. Their understanding is probably greater than most people older than them.

We are often told that apathy reigns at elections, and that the disconnection between young people and the political establishment is growing. There is a huge section of society disenfranchised, having no voice at local or national elections, denying them the rights that every other citizen can enjoy.

Certainly, some of the best debates I attended as a General Election candidate in Hove this year were with young people and students. They actively engaged in the events, attended in high numbers and weren't afraid to challenge ideas they didn't agree with. The level of debate was exceptionally high. The topics ranged from the Iraq War, fox hunting to the arms industry. Each young person brought a different perspective as they spoke - they were actively engaging in the democratic process. Weighing up who they should support. Not many adults could say they did that before they voted.

It is probably true to say that the national debate suffers by not empowering this section of the community. For example, young people are often seen as the most passionate about the environment. They understand the education system as frontline users, many would have opposed university fees at the ballot box too. And perhaps Tony Blair might not have been so quick to go to war in Iraq if it meant alienating such a large group of voters, many of whom opposed the war. He might have had second thoughts anyway. And, of course, young people are often more radical and idealistic - they could bring some real vision to the political debate - something currently missing.

When I was at Blatchington Mill School in Hove not so many years ago, they used to close some class rooms on election days. I couldn't help but think then what a cheek it was closing the classrooms of young people for adults to vote in!

Paul Elgood can be emailed at paul@brighton-hovelibdems.org.uk