We asked members of our Young NCB Advisory Group to share their views on the government's announcement that 16- and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next elections.
Danielle
Allowing 16 and17-year-olds to vote unlocks the voice of around 1.6 million more people in our democratic process. Turnout in the 2024 general election was the lowest it has been since 2001. Lowering the age at which people can vote will increase representation and could encourage political parties to heavily consider younger people in their manifesto and campaigns because we have voting power. This will hopefully shift the often negative narrative around young people to us being seen as individuals who want to use our collective voice to positively impact the world around us and our futures.
Therefore, just as politicians build campaigns and manifestos based on the public needs, those of 16-17-year-olds will now also need to be considered. And as a young person this could mean more attention from local politicians as they try to learn more about our perspectives by visiting secondary schools and sixth forms more often, and working more closely with youth groups, forums and youth councils. But this care and attention can’t be just tokenistic - it must be genuine, authentic and followed through with honest and thoughtful promises that reflect young people’s wishes. This integrity is important, as this is a generation who have seen politicians become better known for their mistakes than their accomplishments, and have seen leaders change often. We need people who are solid and trustworthy and who care as deeply about our issues as we do.
As a young person living through this change, it can be overwhelming to think about it, especially for those who at the next election will be 16 or 17 and able to vote for the first time. Before that happens, politicians need to advocate for and work with young people to help build and improve political and democratic education in schools to aid students’ political literacy, critical thinking skills and media literacy. However, with this support, I feel this will be a great step in youth voice as it will make young people central in the minds of decision-makers. It will engage the younger generation more in politics and decision-making which could develop our own belief in our voice. Also, it could encourage more opportunities for young people to be involved in politics and decision making no matter their background.
Elliott
I believe that it is important that 16 and 17-year-olds have a voice in elections because we are the current generation who will live through the changes being made today, yet we have limited control over them. The significance of giving 16 and 17-year-olds the power of voting is about more than just fairness. Politicians are shaping policies about education, climate, housing and our public services right now. As young people, we hear conversations about these things but have no power to vote and make the impact on our country’s future. It’s about shaping our government with a democracy that includes everyone in decisions.
The change of lowering the voting age to 16 would be a powerful shift in how young people are viewed and represented within society. It would recognise us not just as future adults, but as individuals who already contributing to the world around us. We young people dedicate ourselves to studying, working, caring for family members, and understanding the issues affecting our lives. Being allowed to vote would show that our voices matter and that we’re trusted to make decisions about the world we live in. It would also mean that politicians would be obliged to have young people at the heart of their focus, because our votes would count!
As a young person, the idea of having the right to vote would make me feel more represented and involved in politics as currently it's frustrating to be surrounded by conversations about the future — especially when they directly affect us — and feel like we’re being left out of the room where those decisions are made. If I could vote, I’d feel more empowered to shape what kind of country I want to live in, and more hopeful that change is possible when we all take part in making it happen.