Voting at 16, Yes or No

[Steven.]

I posted this as a debate idea.

Should teenagers at the age of 16(+) be allowed to vote in General Elections, and Local Elections.

With most Public Transport company's and other company's regarding us to be adults at the age of 15 why cant we do adult things, for the example vote in elections.

Your views?

More information on this official campaign can be read, here (http://www.votesat16.org.uk/index.php).

Moved by mat64 (Forum Moderator) from Discuss Anything: Please post in the correct forum next time, Thanks :).

[iTechnical]

Yes, I believe so, as I know quite a few 16 year olds who are quite political with quite thorough views.

[&]

id personaly like too, but at 16, theres still alot of things you dont know.
you most probably dont have full time jobs and things like that, generally not knowing as much about government as a say, 25yo might,

if you got any if that "/

[Elkaa]

No. At 16 most teenagers don't know that much about the country itself, only the area concerning them - If that. They've been kept in a 'safe heaven' for the past 11 years called School, and mostly it's not taught there.

I know that when I was 16, I didn't know half as much about the country as a whole as I do now, at 18.

[Neversoft]

No, they shouldn't. A lot of 16 year olds are really immature and couldn't give a **** what they're voting about.

[L!nK.]

No, because I don't really care about elections etc.

[&]

the complete contents of the post above says it all.

[Mr.Sam]

Of course not, They will make stupid decisions and not think it through correctly.

[L!nK.]

Of course not, They will make stupid decisions and not think it through correctly.

What I said, and this.

[iTechnical]

Hmm, fair enough. xD

[FlyingJesus]

No, because although some 16 year olds may be well-versed in politics, most certainly aren't, and tend to pick one view that seems good and defend it to the death on every point, regardless of any reality checks offered to them.

[Virgin Mary]

No. How many 16 year olds care about politics? You just get idiot students following some futuristic party because it's a trend anyway.

[iTechnical]

No, because although some 16 year olds may be well-versed in politics, most certainly aren't, and tend to pick one view that seems good and defend it to the death on every point, regardless of any reality checks offered to them.


Mna it's like 8 v 1. x'DD

Im changing sides.

[Steven.]

I can see where you're coming from Rehab, Elkaa, and Neversoft (and the others). I think you may be supprised how many teenagers there are that are political minded, like myself. And of-course this can be opt-in. Why should we get classed as Adults (and charged as adults) and hte age of 15 when we cant do half the stuff an adult (legally) can.

However we should get (and be allowed) to give views/feedback and or elect those who we want to be allowed to run the constituency's. Since its the teenagers constituency that they can help with and fight local issues.

Instead of teenagers getting bad feeback and basically stereo-typing.

Teenagers should also get the choice weather to vote at that age or not, for example opt-in. Since it is our life they're changing in parliment by introducing nuclear power plants, to knocking down the local amenity so teenagers have nothing to do, thus giving us a bad look as they will start pointing fingers with drinking, anti-social behavior and basically being yobs.

[Mr.Sam]

you would get teenagers vote for partys such as the BNP because they think its funny.


I can see where you're coming from Rehab, Elkaa, and Neversoft (and the others). I think it is surprising how many teenagers there are that are political minded, like myself.

However we should get (and be allowed) to give views/feedback and or elect those who we want to be allowed to run the constituency's. Since its the teenagers constituency that they can help with and fight local issues.

Instead of teenagers getting bad feeback and basically stereo-typing.

Teenagers should also get the choice weather to vote at that age or not, for example opt-in. Since it is our life they're changing in parliment by introducing nuclear power plants, to knocking down the local amenity so teenagers have nothing to do, thus giving us a bad look as they will start pointing fingers with drinking, anti-social behavior and basically being yobs.

[Virgin Mary]

I can see where you're coming from Rehab, Elkaa, and Neversoft (and the others). I think you may be supprised how many teenagers there are that are political minded, like myself. ANd of-course this can be opt-in. Why should we get classed as Adults (and charged as adults) and hte age of 15 when we cant do half the stuff an adult (legally) can.

However we should get (and be allowed) to give views/feedback and or elect those who we want to be allowed to run the constituency's. Since its the teenagers constituency that they can help with and fight local issues.

Instead of teenagers getting bad feeback and basically stereo-typing.

Teenagers should also get the choice weather to vote at that age or not, for example opt-in. Since it is our life they're changing in parliment by introducing nuclear power plants, to knocking down the local amenity so teenagers have nothing to do, thus giving us a bad look as they will start pointing fingers with drinking, anti-social behavior and basically being yobs.
Teenagers aren't yobs or drinkers because they have nothing to do, they do that because it makes them look socially apt to their peers. Most teenagers will just see something that they like about a party and go for it because of it, e.g. they're racist so vote BNP or think voting the Tories is going to get them EMA.

[Ostinato]

Nope. Lol

I would like to have voted at 16 and feel I have been mature enough, but a lot of 16 year old's really aren't.


I can see where you're coming from Rehab, Elkaa, and Neversoft (and the others). I think you may be supprised how many teenagers there are that are political minded, like myself. And of-course this can be opt-in. Why should we get classed as Adults (and charged as adults) and hte age of 15 when we cant do half the stuff an adult (legally) can.

However we should get (and be allowed) to give views/feedback and or elect those who we want to be allowed to run the constituency's. Since its the teenagers constituency that they can help with and fight local issues.

Instead of teenagers getting bad feeback and basically stereo-typing.

Teenagers should also get the choice weather to vote at that age or not, for example opt-in. Since it is our life they're changing in parliment by introducing nuclear power plants, to knocking down the local amenity so teenagers have nothing to do, thus giving us a bad look as they will start pointing fingers with drinking, anti-social behavior and basically being yobs.

It really isn't a case of that at all. No-one has said that all teenagers are yobs or drink on the street or anything. Obviously it is only a minority who are, however I feel that although many teenagers are mature enough and politically minded enough to vote effectively you really cannot deny there is a majority of teenagers simply not mature enough to decide the future of our country.

[Mr.Sam]

if politicians think all teenagers are yobs they are going against the ant-discrimination laws they use.
I can see where you're coming from Rehab, Elkaa, and Neversoft (and the others). I think you may be supprised how many teenagers there are that are political minded, like myself. And of-course this can be opt-in. Why should we get classed as Adults (and charged as adults) and hte age of 15 when we cant do half the stuff an adult (legally) can.

However we should get (and be allowed) to give views/feedback and or elect those who we want to be allowed to run the constituency's. Since its the teenagers constituency that they can help with and fight local issues.

Instead of teenagers getting bad feeback and basically stereo-typing.

Teenagers should also get the choice weather to vote at that age or not, for example opt-in. Since it is our life they're changing in parliment by introducing nuclear power plants, to knocking down the local amenity so teenagers have nothing to do, thus giving us a bad look as they will start pointing fingers with drinking, anti-social behavior and basically being yobs.

[Virgin Mary]

Governments go against their anti-discrimination laws already by creating political correctness.

[Steven.]

But its a teenagers view.

Why cant we have the right to vote for who we want instead of some pile of pratts that give power in EU treaties to country's that will have no respect for others. Or Have idiots from a different county decide whats best for another. And MPs that dont stand up for those in there constituency.

And run on campaigns that are piles of rubbish basically.

EDIT:

The point of yobs drinking and overall being anti-social was kinda just an example in my local town that came to my mind. Sorry guys.

However i do have a burning feeling that Newspapers and the Government treat us like the above rather alot.

[Mr.Sam]

because hey will just follow their friends decisions.
it's at 18 for a reason.
At 18 your considered an adult thus have more independence.
if you want your opinion voiced go to the local meetings and give your opinion, no ones stopping you from doing that.
But its a teenagers view.

Why cant we have the right to vote for who we want instead of some pile of pratts that give power in EU treaties to country's that will have no respect for others. Or Have idiots from a different county decide whats best for another. And MPs that dont stand up for those in there constituency.

And run on campaigns that are piles of rubbish basically.

[Ostinato]

But its a teenagers view.

Why cant we have the right to vote for who we want instead of some pile of pratts that give power in EU treaties to country's that will have no respect for others. Or Have idiots from a different county decide whats best for another. And MPs that dont stand up for those in there constituency.

And run on campaigns that are piles of rubbish basically.

Likewise why should teenagers (with a majority of whom aren't educated enough in relation to the politics, or simply do not care) have a right to have such an impact upon the future of our country?!

[FlyingJesus]

Voting's optional anyway so your point about "opt-in" makes no sense. As for young people having the right to vote, why not just let everyone who can understand that you have to tick a box vote? Yes, some teenagers are politically minded, but that doesn't mean they always make informed decisions. Most will just look at propaganda from the party that they like and make decisions based on single views.

[iTechnical]

But its a teenagers view.

Why cant we have the right to vote for who we want instead of some pile of pratts that give power in EU treaties to country's that will have no respect for others. Or Have idiots from a different county decide whats best for another. And MPs that dont stand up for those in there constituency.

And run on campaigns that are piles of rubbish basically.

EDIT:

The point of yobs drinking and overall being anti-social was kinda just an example in my local town that came to my mind. Sorry guys.

However i do have a burning feeling that Newspapers and the Government treat us like the above rather alot.

us teenagers are stereotyped to be immature. And unknowledgable
in the political view. i'm 50-50 between yes & no

[Mr.Sam]

Point proven, iTech was for the idea but now has been influenced by others posts and has changed his/her mind.


Yes, I believe so, as I know quite a few 16 year olds who are quite political with quite thorough views.


us teenagers are stereotyped to be immature. And unknowledgable
in the political view. i'm 50-50 between yes & no

[FlyingJesus]

Point proven, iTech was for the idea but now has been influenced by others posts and has changed his/her mind.

Oh well played, bravo

[Steven.]

because hey will just follow their friends decisions.
it's at 18 for a reason.
At 18 your considered an adult thus have more independence.
if you want your opinion voiced go to the local meetings and give your opinion, no ones stopping you from doing that.

Then why are we being charged over-rated charges just to travel in-to town to visit friends because we're 15. Because they think we are adults.

If they treat us like adults, why cant we do the things adults can do...




Likewise why should teenagers (with a majority of whom aren't educated enough in relation to the politics, or simply do not care) have a right to have such an impact upon the future of our country?!

Ouch ! lol.

Because its our life they are planning. Why cant we vote for those we think will best help the county/ and country and fight for stuff that ill actually protect us in the future. i.e Building more Nuclear Power plants.

[flux]

I don't think you should be able to vote at 16, no. I think the harsh majority of teenagers are too immature to vote at this age, and they probably don't get, let alone know what goes on in half of the politics and stuff.

But I see where *whoever it was that posted it* was coming from about 15 year olds being charged adult fares on buses, then they need to be given more adult respect and authority.

[FlyingJesus]

Because its our life they are planning. Why cant we vote for those we think will best help the county/ and country and fight for stuff that ill actually protect us in the future. i.e Building more Nuclear Power plants.

We don't know what's best for us, fact. Nuclear power is the future in my opinion, many other teenagers just think OMGZ CHERNOBYLINGDOM KERSPLODE and don't like it. There aren't enough politically educated voting adults around, let alone kids.

[-Soph-]

No,
I know there are a LOT of 16 year olds who could make the right choice at that age and know who they want to vote for and WHY, but there's more who don't.. personally, I believe that 16 is too young, a lot are immature and don't really care about who they vote for.

[Virgin Mary]

I don't really care what politicians think of me. Most teenagers are stupid, close-minded and incapable of being logical. They can't think about consequences in the future. Politicians would just use this to their advantage and make claims that appeal to teenagers. For example, in most teenagers opinions, as long as the smoking and drinking limits are lowered to 16, who really cares if we're economically unstable.

[MrGazet]

I think 16 is kinda young to me..

[Xarea]

If anyone took the GCSE Citizenship paper last year, you would know that this was the question you had to answer for 40 something marks.

In short, I think yes. If we're old enough to pay tax, serve in the army and get married, we're old enough to vote.

[iTechnical]

Point proven, iTech was for the idea but now has been influenced by others posts and has changed his/her mind.

I still stand at my point of view that I know 16 year olds which have the
intelligance and maturity to vote rightly.

But, now i've read other points of views and opinions my view has being influenced a tad yes, but what I say is still towards yes.

[Ostinato]

I still stand at my point of view that I know 16 year olds which have the
intelligance and maturity to vote rightly.


No-one has questioned that! That seems to be the issue here..

OF COURSE! There are many people out there who would make the best decision for this country and would take it seriously... HOWEVER! THERE WILL ALWAYS BE TEENAGERS OUT THERE WHO ARE JUST NOT MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY MATURE ENOUGH TO MAKE SUCH IMPORTANT DECISIONS.

[MrGazet]

yeah there's some teens who r matured enough to make decissions.unfortunately thou,there are more teens who r not matured enuf to make the right decisions :P
tbh..voting is no kids stuff :)

[Firehorse]

Why don't you make a poll?

Yes because 16 year olds are cleverer than the media show them to be. The idiotic teenagers are only a minority.

[-:Undertaker:-]

It would make no difference, thanks to our un-democratic way of voting. If Election results were based on number of votes then yes teenagers should be able to vote but sadly it isn't like that.

[lAdmire]

No, I think some are too immature & wouldn't vote for someone who would better their future but would do something to benefit them now. Like, I can't explain it but something dumb.

[Frodo13.]

No. I don't think most 16yr olds know enough about the country and politics to make the right decision. While some people of that age group are mature enough to make the right decision, there are also many who would make stupid decision, like vote the BNP for a laugh.

I also think it would be a huge contradiction. Old enough to vote, but not old enough to drive, buy cigs or buy alcohol. It would be odd.

[Jinc]

There are a large number of 16 year olds who understand the political system in the UK, and would have worthwhile views which could contribute to the voting process. Of course, most people would say there are too many uneducated teens who would distort the decision made by the general public. But, I'm almost certain that there are an equal number of over 18's who take little interest in, or lack knowledge of the political system.

I'm undecided.

[Energizer]

No, because I don't really care about elections etc.
^^^^^^

[FlyingJesus]

There are a large number of 16 year olds who understand the political system in the UK, and would have worthwhile views which could contribute to the voting process. Of course, most people would say there are too many uneducated teens who would distort the decision made by the general public. But, I'm almost certain that there are an equal number of over 18's who take little interest in, or lack knowledge of the political system.

I'm undecided.

Yeah plenty of over 18s don't know much about politics really, so there's no need to have an even larger number of idiots voting.

[iluv2spam]

Im gonna go BNP.

[Davii]

It's just been introduced over here voting at 16, its good cause the 16 year olds that want to vote can, and the ones that dont dont have to anyway.

[whoooosh]

no
cause im 16
and dont care

[-:Undertaker:-]

No. I don't think most 16yr olds know enough about the country and politics to make the right decision. While some people of that age group are mature enough to make the right decision, there are also many who would make stupid decision, like vote the BNP for a laugh.

I also think it would be a huge contradiction. Old enough to vote, but not old enough to drive, buy cigs or buy alcohol. It would be odd.

Vote the BNP for a laugh? At least they are more truthworthy than any of the main partys at the moment.

I would vote BNP at the current political climate if we had a fair voting system because then my say would count.

[Mandez]

yeah under 16's dont really know much about politics.
like us lot! :P

[Mandez]

yeah under 16's dont really know much about politics.
like us lot! :P

[Frodo13.]

Vote the BNP for a laugh? At least they are more truthworthy than any of the main partys at the moment.

I would vote BNP at the current political climate if we had a fair voting system because then my say would count.

How can you say they are trustworthy? For years they have said they are not racist when they blatently are. You obviously didn't hear about that undercover journalist, who joined the BNP, and found out how top people in the party instruct others not to use offensive terms in public, even though they do it freely amongst themselves.

[EwfrGomulee]

Good lord no... it's bad enough that there's quite a few Adults not mature enough to vote let alone allowing 16 year olds to vote.

I do, however, feel that the Government should allow young persons a say in what goes on. Obviously that system would be about as useful as a school council of students but it would make young people feel that the Government are listening.

Though I must say that I've tried to get involved with Political issues and debates but simply because I was not 18 I was deemed too immature for the subject at hand: The Fox Hunting Debate.

I do not like Hunting. *Please do not spam my inbox about the debate*

[Flyth]

16 is still not a mature enough age to vote in my opinion