Abbey CBS pupil suggests that the legal voting age should be lowered to 16 so young people can have their say

As discussions around voting rights continue to evolve, the proposal to lower the voting age to 16 has sparked considerable debate. Advocates argue that this change would enhance democratic participation and civic engagement, while critics express concerns about the maturity and preparedness of younger voters.

Proponents believe that lowering the voting age to 16 could foster a culture of active citizenship among young people. At this age, many individuals are still in high school or alternative forms of schooling. Allowing them to vote could reinforce classroom lessons and encourage lifelong voting habits. Voting early could solidify the importance of civic duty, as young people are more likely to continue voting if they start earlier.

Advocates argue that young people deserve a voice in political decisions, especially those directly impacting their lives, such as education, climate change, and employment opportunities. Our youth have a range of unique perspectives that are often overlooked, and lowering the voting age ensures their concerns are heard and addressed.

Granting 16-year-olds the right to vote can empower them by recognizing their capabilities and their stake in the nation's future. It also instils a sense of responsibility, as they would need to educate themselves on political issues and candidates. Voting is a way to show that young people can make informed decisions, encouraging them to be more engaged and responsible citizens. Supporters view this change as a step towards a more inclusive democracy that acknowledges the contributions of young people. Democracies must evolve to stay relevant and including 16-year-olds in the voting process is seen as a progressive move that can re-energize the political system.

However, critics argue that 16-year-olds lack the maturity and life experience necessary to make informed voting decisions. Adolescents are still developing cognitively and emotionally, and their decision-making processes might be more impulsive. The teenage brain is still maturing, raising concerns about our ability to make thoughtful political choices.

Additionally, not all young people have access to quality education on political matters, leading to potential disparities in informed voting. There's a risk that many 16-year-olds might not fully understand the complexities of political issues, which could result in votes based on superficial factors. I know personally the confusion I had listening to View from Stormont, The Nolan Show or indeed Tracy Magee interviewing our political leaders. But ironically, I think age isn’t a factor in the public’s confusion on Northern Irish politics. It is so vast and complex even the most mature in society struggle to keep up.

Young people are often perceived to be more environmentally aware than older generations. Issues in our local area need addressed and I believe the youth are most likely to drive these changes. In the heart of Newry, we have our canal. At 16 years of age, looking back on all my memories of the area, I have never seen it clean. Have you? It is constantly littered with rubbish and the occasional shopping trolley. As residents of the area, we should be taking pride in our canal, our history and the wider environment. This isn’t a unique perspective of what needs changing. Other issues on the local agenda include services at Daisy Hill and the supply of affordable homes. Giving young people a say in Newry will give them a sense of pride in the area.

It could be said younger voters might be more susceptible to external influences, such as parents, teachers, or social media, which could skew their voting choices. Teenagers are impressionable and might not vote independently, potentially undermining the authenticity of their political decisions. Yet, our neighbours, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man have all lowered their voting age. With our complex politics and history, it would only make sense to build towards a better future. Young people’s role in the future is inevitable, so why not embrace it in the here and now?

For many young people, the ability to vote at 16 would be a meaningful step towards active participation in democracy. As young people deeply concerned about issues like climate change, being able to vote would allow them to advocate for their future. Voting early would empower them to contribute to the decisions that shape their lives. Voting at 16 could also help instil a lifelong habit of civic engagement. Starting to vote early means young people are more likely to stay informed and involved in political matters, creating responsible citizens from a young age.

I, for one, would embrace this change as a young person myself. I am going into a world of employment and opportunity that those before me have created and made decisions for. Important issues such as secondary education and university prospects need to be raised. Only those with an early 18th birthday can simultaneously experience being in secondary education alongside having the opportunity to vote. This means many can’t have an input into the world we are just about to enter as an adult. If a person from the Newry and Mourne area wants to be politically involved, unfortunately they may struggle as a lot of participation happens in Belfast. We don’t always have access to these opportunities due to the arbitrary postcode lottery that is our place or birth or residence. Surely this shouldn’t be the case. I have first hand experiences of this, and often find youth politics is focused on largely populated areas, marginalising all of us who are from rural or suburban areas. Voting would allow us all to have a voice and participate no matter where we are speaking from. I, as a young person, would like to vote for a candidate that I know will have my best interests at heart and bring my viewpoint to the table.

The debate over lowering the voting age to 16 is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides. While concerns about maturity and political knowledge are valid, the potential benefits of increased civic engagement, representation of youth interests, and empowerment of young people are significant. Allowing 16-year-olds to vote could lead to a more inclusive and dynamic democracy. For young people, the opportunity to vote would be a powerful affirmation of their role in shaping the future and a chance to make their voices heard on critical issues.