Yesterday the Government announced that it would lower the voting age to include 16 and 17-year-olds at the next general election. The decision sends an important message to young people that their voices and ideas do matter but what do young people themselves think? I asked my Youth Ambassadors to share their views.
Naemi, 2025 Ambassador: I am pleased the government is stepping up and realising how young people deserve a say in the politics which will affect their lives. But the move to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote must come with great political education to ensure young people are empowered in this decision-making process and to combat misinformation.
Chan, 2025 Ambassador: I think it’s a brilliant idea. Children will finally get the chance to exercise their rights, and it gives them a chance to use their voice to show what is important to them rather than having people who have not children for decades deciding for them. A lot of decisions made about children are made without anyone speaking to children directly.
Rebecca, 2024 Ambassador: Although I believe that lowering the voting age to 16 and 17 could have a positive impact as it makes sure that young people’s voices are heard and listened to, I am concerned about the potential for radical ideas being fed to them. With social media becoming more prominent, it makes young people more vulnerable to being manipulated, which means that there is a greater need for education to support voting so that young people are not exploited and can make well informed decisions.
Rosanna, 2025 Ambassador: Reducing the voting age to 16 for the next general election is a fantastic step towards the future of democracy and youth participation in this country. I am delighted by the news and look forward to seeing young people having the opportunity to have a say in how this country is run and on decisions that affect their lives.
Mehul, 2024 Ambassador: I think allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote is a great step towards recognising young people’s voices in decisions that affect their future. Many are already politically engaged and contributing to society, so they deserve a say. However, there should be stronger political education in schools to ensure all young voters are informed and confident when casting their vote.
Finlay, 2025 Ambassador: I think the idea is great and long overdue because 16-year-olds can get a job, pay taxes and join the military but couldn’t vote. Often, young people are the group most directly affected by government policy, because they go to school.
Valerie, 2025 Ambassador: Some people might not think 16-year-olds are mature enough, but many already have a lot of commitment and responsibility from working, paying taxes and thinking about their futures with A’ Levels and further education. I think what is most important is that all individuals, regardless of their age, are well educated and aware of the political environment we live in so they can make well thought out and informed decisions.
Emma, 2025 Ambassador: Lowering the voting age has been long overdue; 16–17-year-olds are engaged, informed and more than capable to vote. I think this is a brilliant move forward and I am excited to have a say in a future that directly affects me.
Penelope, 2024 Ambassador: Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the opportunity to vote is a mandatory step forward in our democracy, but the government should work with young people to establish a statutory democratic education system so young people understand the ‘hows’ and ‘whats’ in democracy to maximise their voting power.
Ellencia, 2025 Ambassador: Reducing the voting age to 16 will mean more young people can have a say in how the country is run and take a greater interest in it. Hopefully, fewer young people will be concerned about their voice not being heard now they can vote, and they will take their vote seriously with interest and passion to influence the state of the country in the way they believe it needs for the better.
Emmanuel, 2024 Ambassador: Letting 16-year-olds vote would really boost our democracy by bringing in a group that has new ideas and cares a lot about important future issues. However, political education is key, and it’s important that the government collaborates with schools, youth organisations and social media companies to teach young people about politics without things being one-sided and influenced by external factors, so people can think for themselves and make good choices.
Violet, 2025 Ambassador: It’s a positive move to include 16 and 17-year-olds in the voting process. I think people are mature enough at that age to make an informed decision if they wish to vote. But I think it is strange you will be able to vote yet not be able to stand in the election, however anything that gives young people the chance to participate in decision making and their future is a positive move.
Ariana, 2025 Ambassador: I think that allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the next election is a good idea as it will likely result in a positive change for the next generation of adults as we get our say in how we think our country should be run at an earlier age. While our ages have sometimes been considered immature, I feel that children in the UK are incredibly politically aware, so those votes are in good hands.
Lucas, 2025 Ambassador: Votes at 16 can widen access and engagement, ensuring all young people – regardless of background – have a fair opportunity to develop political awareness and a lifelong democratic voice. This is also a question of fairness. Young people in Scotland and Wales already have this right. It’s time for the rest of the UK to catch up and ensure a consistent, inclusive democracy – one where every 16- and 17-year-old is trusted, heard, and valued at the ballot box.
Aaliya, 2024 Ambassador: This is great news and a long time coming! Young people will finally be able to voice their opinions and ensure that it makes an impact, especially given MPs representing them vote on Bills affecting their lives. But there needs to be greater education support as the current curriculum doesn’t teach enough about politics, unless you study it at A Level. Young people should learn about the parties and how the system works so they vote they are making an informed and educated decision.
