Electoral Reform Society: It’s not if, but when for votes at 16 - a breakthrough in Westminster as campaign comes closer to reality

Electoral Reform Society logo for press releases

Friday, 29, Feb 2008 12:00

The Electoral Reform Society has welcomed the appointment of Professor Jonathan Tonge as the chair of the newly established Youth Citizenship Commission. The Commission will lead a consultation into lowering the voting age in the UK to 16.

The campaign in Westminster, led by Julie Morgan MP with support from the Electoral Reform Society and the Votes at 16 Coalition, has been calling for the Government to set up their long-awaited Youth Citizenship Commission to investigate the practical implications of enfranchising young citizens.

Julie Morgan MP for Cardiff North said:

“My hope is that today marks the start of a process that delivers full rights as citizens to young people.”

“I have been encouraged by the level of support the campaign to lower the voting age has had in parliament, and from young people and youth organisations around the country – this commission is now a chance to take this message directly to Government.”

Dr Ken Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said:

“This month members of the Welsh Assembly sent a powerful message to Westminster by voting for a reduction in the voting age. In the Scottish Parliament there is now a majority in favour of allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote.

“Westminster is playing catch up. To date 173 MPs have demonstrated their support for votes at 16 and with it their faith in young people. We are pleased that the government has acknowledged the pressing need to engage young people in the democratic process.

“We believe that 16 and 17 year olds have views on the type of society they want to live in and that they should therefore have a political voice. Moreover, if, while they are still in the educational system, we can encourage them engage in the democratic process, there is a better chance that they turn into regular voters rather than habitual non-voters.

“This commission is looking at the ifs of lowering the voting age. We are confident that the Commission will recognise the need for change. They certainly cannot fail to note the momentum that’s building at all levels of government in Britain.”

Notes to Editors

• 82 MPs have shown their support for our campaign on Early Day Motion 493: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34626&SESSION=891 80 others have shown their support in previous votes.

• On February 7th the Welsh Assembly passed an indicative vote in favour of votes at 16 by a margin of 44 to 4.

• Votes at 16 info pack is available at http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/downloads/votesat16pack.pdf

Contacts

Contact the Society’s press office on 020 79281622

The Society’s Chief Executive Ken Ritchie is available on 07754 165551