Research for political protest subject (voting age)

Why the voting age should be lowered to 16-

When you turn 16 you legally can-

- Move out of the family home (social services may be involved)

- have sex meaning become a parent and care for child

- get married (with parental consent)

- rent accommodation

- give consent to medical treatment

- be detained in custody

- claim benefits

- get a national insurance number

- pay tax

- Smoke

- drink alcohol with a meal

- join the army

- get a job

- pay more for public transport

When you are 18 you can-

- Sue or be sued

- Buy fireworks

- Get a tattoo

- Buy cigarettes

- Buy alcohol

- Pawn items in a pawn shop

- Make a Will

- Carry an organ donor card

- Own land, buy a house or flat & apply for a mortgage

in 2015 only 43% of 18-24 year old's voted, in 2017 72% of 18-24 year old's voted showing a growing interest in politics with young people.

In Scotland the voting age was 16 for the referendum and they aim to keep it there.

In Austria, Brazil, Malta, Switzerland, Cuba, Ecuador 16 year old's can vote

Parties that want the age lowered-

Labour, lib Dem, green, SNP, Plaid Cymric

Parties that are against lowering the voting age-

UKIP do not because "16 year old's do not have enough life experience to make sounds judgements when voting"

Conservatives do not.

Arguments for-

When your 18 you don't suddenly switch into adult mode and gain life experience

At 16 you gain responsibility and are able to make decisions but are still in school and care about the education system and things older people don't care as much about.

At 16 you can make the decision to join the army but you can't make decisions that affect your own life

At 16 you can pay tax that goes towards the county you should be able to choose where it goes.

Arguments against-

16 year old's are too immature

16 year old's haven't experienced life yet

16 year old's don't care about certain things like pensions