MPs in the House of Commons will today debate a private members' bill to reduce the voting age to 16.
It is not thought that the bill will be passed but the debate once again raises the issue of how old someone has to be to be able to vote in elections.
The current age at which people can vote is 18.
In 2014, the Scottish Independence Referendum extended the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds.
Those in favour of lowering the voting age argue that, at 16, people can pay income tax on their earnings and are allowed to join the armed forces, though they cannot be deployed to conflict zones.
Some argue that 16-year-olds simply do not have enough 'life experience' to be able to make political judgements.
What do you think? Take part in our vote above.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel