Imagine your opinion being ignored because you're stereotyped as immature. What if it affected your future? Does maturity even have an age? The change in attitudes evolving in young people opposes traditional views seen as the norm in older generations. Data shows that the youngest voters backed Labour which is the opposite for the older generation which remained by Conservative - there is a difference in thinking! Youths have responsibilities, are knowledgable and are more open-minded so voting should be legal, don't you think?

 

On October 15th, Gumley had guests such as Ruth Cadbury to speak on the topic of voting and here is what I had gathered from the day.

 

It is legal to leave home at 16, as is joining the army. Absurd, don't you think? Well, if heavy responsibilities such as serving your country can be placed at this age then using a ballot to vote surely can't be any tougher. Especially since laws have effects on them, they should have the rights to contribute their views to them.

 

As years go by, the educational demands increase, for example, GCSE grades now ranging from 9-1 as a percentage of pass rates increase. Youths aged 16 and 17 are intellectually developed and ready to vote, contrasting to no restriction to poorly educated adults, which is unfair. 

 

Lowering the voting age would engage young voters. Do you ever sit in class and notice how much more interesting the lesson is when you answer questions and engage? Your view is not seen as irrelevant and this participation may result in a habit of regularly voting, according to researchers.

 

Julia Bulkowska