Thank you for contacting me about the voting age.
I am disappointed that the Government has proposed changing the voting age to 16 seemingly without much consideration. Setting the age of majority, with its associated responsibilities, requires careful thought. Although young people can join the Armed Forces at 16, they require parental permission to do so. They are also unable to buy cigarettes, alcohol, or fireworks before the age of 18 and can no longer get married before 18, even with parental consent.
Additionally, the age of 18 has become more entrenched as a point of reaching adulthood. For example, under the Labour Government in 2008, the Education and Skills Act was passed, which replaced the school leaving age of 16 with an education leaving age of 18. Also, while the age of criminal responsibility is ten, legal guidance from the Government states, "if you’re under 18 you’ll be treated differently to adults by a court. You will only get a custodial sentence in some cases. The sentence cannot be longer than an adult would get for the same crime." The Crown Prosecution Service highlights the differences between being under 18 in terms of identity, stating "the identity of a child aged between ten and 17 charged with a crime will not be disclosed outside the court."
Ultimately, I completely understand the desire of young people to engage with the political process. Many young people are incredibly impressive and capable, demonstrating they are able to make the judgements we associate with voting. However, it is not capability that concerns me; it is about setting an appropriate age that is consistent with the other rules we have established in society. Therefore, I believe that 18 is an appropriate voting age.
