Want to campaign for the 16 year old vote?

I'm 18 and I still don't really feel that most friends of my age (or even me at times) are politically educated enough for such a responsibility.

I don't think 16 year olds are old enough or indeed mature enough.

I think 16 and 17 year olds should be given the vote BUT only if they are educated on political matters and how government works in school so that they know what they are voting for, rather than just crossing a random box in elections/referendums.

But yeah, I definitely think 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote and would be interested.

i would say anyone who has reached the age of criminal responsibility should be able to vote.

if you are old enough to be punished for your crimes you are old enough to vote. *

Bear wtf. First you vote remain now you're advocating for babies to vote? What's next, trying to legalise zoophilia from you?

babies have not reached the age of criminal responsibility in this country ?

not sure why you are bringing animal relationships into this... i am sure you have your reasons *
**

Evidently people mature at difference ages, I for one have seen people in their 30s act more immature than 16 year olds (all you have to do is goto a football game once and you'll see) -as such, I don't believe that maturity should be brought up against 16/17 year olds, who have countlessly showed their maturity and intelligence on a global scale, but perhaps political understanding and knowledge should be emphasised? What's not to say, we should have a national test for the right to vote, I understand that most people vote out of emotion and not in the country's best interests - how can a bit of social darwinism hurt our already uncertain futures? The most intellectual voters, as defined by tests should be able to govern our society (the test doesn't has to be hard, just logical or defined by some other standard) - if we stop following sheep and actually use our brains, hopefully our country won't be destroyed by delusional old men voting (on their death beds) for a issue that affected them 70 years ago just to be 'right' one final time?

I won't be able to support this until I see some sort of indication that these 16 and 17 year olds will actually vote. If they don't (which I think is likely based on how few 18-24 year olds generally vote in elections) then I think it's a waste of time, resources and money.

Perhaps before we even discuss whether or not the age limit should be reduced, let's discuss fully incorporating Politics and Economics into our education system. Encourage people to be more politically aware from a young age.

What sort of test are you talking about? Who's to say the test won't be manipulated in favour of a certain demographic so a small group have a larger say?

What if someone has, say, autism and struggles with tests but is far more aware than the person who revised for the test even though they don't care about politics?

Intellect cannot be measured. As many people as possible should be able to have a say, irrespective of whether or not you deem them to be intellectual enough. That's democracy...

A potential problem with adding something to the curriculum is having it taught by a sandal and sock combo wearing Liberal leftie. That would not be in the best interests of UK plc imho.

i would say anyone who has reached the age of criminal responsibility should be able to vote.

True, that is definitely a concern. But I think they could just teach the basics - how the British political system works, a brief history of British politics, etc.

The test doesn't necessarily have to be on intelligence, it can be on practicality or skills. The test can be created by people of different intelligences, to make sure that the test is fair. Another way could be from Bands, band 1 - university doctorate, etc... Autistic people can have tests designed for them specially, so that they understand the basic principals and reasoning behind their votes. The same can go for any disabled or disadvantaged voter, who is keen on participating in the vote.

They would find a way to slip in (pun intended) pig s******g, Eton and Bullingdon to corrupt impressionable young minds

What sort of test are you talking about? Who's to say the test won't be manipulated in favour of a certain demographic so a small group have a larger say?

What if someone has, say, autism and struggles with tests but is far more aware than the person who revised for the test even though they don't care about politics?

Intellect cannot be measured. As many people as possible should be able to have a say, irrespective of whether or not you deem them to be intellectual enough. That's democracy...

But that's life, isn't it? It's impossible to be completely neutral. But I still do believe it's important we encourage people to think for themselves and to be aware of what's going on around them.