The myth that young people are not interested in politics was completely undermined by the Scottish referendum in 2014: 75% of 16–18-year-olds took part, which is a higher turnout than at all UK general elections since 1992. It was also higher than the turnout for 25–34-year-olds. This amazing and unexpected turnout has given new impetus to the argument that the voting age should be lowered to 16.
Young people can and do have plenty of responsibilities at 16 — they can already pay taxes, join the army, get married/have a civil partnership, face criminal charges, have sex and leave school — so there is no logic behind the argument that they are too irresponsible to vote. Political decisions affect them in many different ways, such as education and training policy, so they should be able to be part of the process that forms these decisions. Leaving them out is unfair, undemocratic and makes no logical sense. The Brexit vote in 2016 left many young people furious — how could such an important and significant decision for their futures and for the destiny of the UK be made predominantly by pensioners?
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