16 and 17-Year-Olds Able to Vote in the UK

It was announced on July 17 that 16 and 17-year-olds might be able to vote in all UK elections, including general elections starting four years from now. The argument is that they should have a say in how the country is governed. The Labour government said it’s part of plans to modernise the way people vote and get more people to take part in politics.

Some parties, like the Liberal Democrats, were pleased with the new decision. They said it was a “no-brainer,” explains BBC’s Jack Fenwick. “A young person can work, they pay taxes, and they can join the army. There’s no reason why, from that age, they shouldn’t have a say in who governs our country,” says the minister for democracy, Rushanara Ali tells the BBC during an interview. Those people who agree also say that this will inspire and motivate younger people to become interested in politics.

However, some people disagree. Those people say that they are not mature enough and don’t have enough experience with politics. They are not like grown-ups and adults who have experienced a lot of things in life and enough to have a say and vote. Another argument is that 16 and 17-year-olds might easily be affected by other people’s choices, thoughts, and actions. There are also concerns about how teenagers and young people usually vote for one particular group, usually leaning to the left side or Democrats, which is the Labour government. But recently, the teenagers have been voting for the right side, or Reform UK, because of social media, said Reuters writer Thomson Reuters.

During a general election, voters will choose the MP they want in one of the 650 constituencies they live in. The MP is the Member of Parliament who represents it in the House of Commons in London. A general election is 650 elections, one from each constituency, all happening in one day.

You are probably too young to vote. But you still have the right to form your own opinions and to convey your ideas freely. This is included in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This document establishes complete support for the rights of every child globally, helping them become happier and aiding development.

In Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds can already vote in local elections for the Scottish Parliament and Senedd. Now, the UK is trying to do that too. Now, 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote and have a say, which is very important. Even if you are too young to vote, you can still do a lot of things to help and have a say , like supporting and talking to the government.