MP brings votes at 16 bill to Parliament

The Labour MP’s bill would lower the voting age to 16, and would ensure that every college or school with a certain number of eligible voters would have a polling station on election days.

The bill has cross-party support and is sponsored by Conservative MP and former education minister Nicky Morgan, as well as Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb.

Mr Kyle said his bill also supported by youth organisations including the British Youth Council, Debate Mate, the National Union of Students, as well as the Association of Colleges.

He said: “Right now we have a democratic post-code lottery where 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, but not in England or Northern Ireland.

“Worst of all, our politics and our society are missing out on the insight and wisdom of young people. With all the big things going on in our country, we need that more than ever.”

Do you think 16 and 17-year-olds should get votes at 16? Let us know by tweeting @BrightonIndy or by visiting our Facebook page.

Related stories:

Peter Kyle: Why I’m backing votes at 16

MP begins campaign to lower voting age to 16