Would it be a good idea to allow 16 year olds to vote, how would that affect the balance of political power?

Question

After all, if you get a job at 16 you are old enough to pay taxes.

Just to clarify i am talking about the UK

Answer 1

Guess they couldnt do any worse than us...

Answer 2

I'm no expert on demographics or statistics but do you seriously think that the 16 -18 year old segment could alter the balance of power. The balance of power will only change if the Liberal Democrats get in because the only difference between Tory and Labour is the colour of the tie they wear for TV appearances.
It doesn't matter who you vote for the Government always gets in.
I think it would be a bad idea some of those of the 16 17 year old range might be naive enough to believe that their vote mattered.
Malversation for the nation!

Answer 3

There is a lot of apathy in this country's political system. This is due to the Tories and Labour coming so close to each other in policies (when Cameron can be bothered to bring out any policies) whilst the Lib Dems are playing catch up at by elections and local government. However Westminster has cottoned on and is taking away the power of local government.

Where I live turnout at local and general elections are low - 20 to 30% on average. Allowing 16 and 17 year olds may be a good idea at the start but they need to be educated on the political process - how government works, what your vote does and so on. In an unbiased way. I was never taught that at school.

Answer 4

I think 16 year olds should be allowed to vote, they have political opinions which are just as valuable as an 18 year olds'. If anything I think some young people can be more open minded about political parties and are sometimes willing to vote for the less mainstream parties, which if they could gain more support they may be able to prevent the dominating party from having such huge majorities and making decisions that all the other parties were against (eg. the vote on tuition fees!)

Answer 5

Definitely, and I mean definitely, not. They are far too idealistic at that age and will still be under the indoctrinating spell of left wing Teachers and Lecturers. This government will like it though because they will mainly vote Labour, possibly also Liberal or Green, proving beyond doubt that they are unfit to vote. It will be bad enough when all the immigrants start voting for their paymasters (New Labour) without naive school children joining in. It is of vital, but vital importance, that this government is not re-elected. I would rather you didn't even talk about your proposal, far too dangerous.

Answer 6

You dont really pay taxes at 16, as most 16 year old earn under the government limit on what you start paying tax on.
If they were allowed to vote, I dont think it would make much difference, as most 18year olds cannot be bothered either.

Answer 7

Since most 18 year olds don't take the time to vote, it doesn't make sense to lower the voting age to 16.

Answer 8

No, personally, I do NOT think that it would be a good idea for 16 year olds to vote, simply because some -not all - would not take the situation seriously. Some teenagers base their life on what others do - they don't even bother to think of what their decision might mean.

Answer 9

Depends. If they follow the example set by too many of their elders,they won't even be bothered to vote so no change is possible. Should they appreciate the right more,they could cause a significant shift in power/policy. Peace.

Answer 10

I think they should be able to so they can get involved in how their country/town is being run. They are the ones that are going to be in control in the future so they should be able to put forth ideas and suggestions on things that they are going to have to worry about in the future compaired to a 80 year old who is alot closer to death and doesn't care at all.

Answer 11

Most teens think they know it all, give them the vote and we would P-Ditty as pres. I would go as far as saying you should 21 to vote, but those under 25 don't vote anyway. Nor do they have any clues to what is going on. This is why Presidential candidates have to go on MTV and BET, it's where they get their news and where their told what to think.