The case for lowering the voting age to 16 is overwhelming, and we’ve never been closer to making history for young people and democracy.

The Society is a proud member of the Votes at 16 Coalition. At 16, people can leave home, start a family, get full time jobs, pay taxes, joined the armed forces and make all kinds of important decisions about their future. 16 and 17 year olds are interested in all kinds of issues; are often more enthusiastic and active than older people; and with citizenship education, youth engagement campaigns, 24 hour news and high-speed interatcive media they are the most politically aware and educated generation ever.

Denying 16 year olds the vote sends a message to them - and to society as a whole - that their views are not valid, and that voting is not the way to express their opinions.

It’s time we recognised the positive contribution that the vast majority of young people make. It’s time we gave them a real say and really listened to their views. It’s time we backed up all our talk about young people playing their part as citizens - by giving them the fundamental, defining right of a citizen. It’s time for Votes at 16.

Politicians from all parties, the House of Lords, the Welsh Assembly, the Scottish Parliament, all the leading youth sector and young people’s organisations, and hundreds of thousands of people of all ages support Votes at 16.

16 for 16: 16 reasons for votes at 16 is available for download here..

For more information please visit the coalition website...

16 for 16