In 1969, the UK became the first country to lower its age of franchise to 18. At the time the UK was going through a period of social and economic change, with people arguing that the younger generations deserved a say in their country’s politics. 55 years on, after a global pandemic, a withdrawal from the EU and a tumultuous period of economic uncertainty, one could say that throughout all these events, 16- and 17-year-olds have been severely affected but have not been given the opportunity to have an effect.

At the age of 16, young people begin to work, pay tax and can even join the military – so why can’t they vote? Well, that question was raised in Scotland a decade ago, where the age of franchise was temporarily extended to include 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in the referendum for independence. The Electoral Commission reported that 97% of those 16- and 17-year-olds who reported having voted in the 2014 independence referendum said that they would vote again in future elections and referendums. This was assessed in 2021 and it was shown that voters first enfranchised at 16 continued to vote in higher numbers than those first registered at 18, indicating that early voting habits are ingrained. This means that if we vote early, we continue voting, which in the long term could lead to higher turnout rates.

One of the main arguments against extending the age of suffrage is that 16- and 17-year-olds just aren’t engaged enough with the political world. However, giving the vote to young people may encourage them to become more involved as they feel that their opinions and wants for the future of the country are being heard. We also shouldn’t forget the effect that 16–17-year-olds could have on those around them. If conversations about politics and voting are brought to the dinner table and other family events when young people still largely live at home, a trickle-down effect may occur where parents and other family members become more engaged in politics, encouraging them to vote.

Equalising the suffrage age across the UK would also be an act of fairness that could bring young people together from across all four nations of the UK. In Scotland, 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote in Scottish Parliamentary and local elections – giving young people across the UK the same rights and extending them to General Elections would allow young people to more effectively work together to maximise their voting power.

The Co-operative party is committed to building a society where power is shared – and votes at 16 could be a crucial way to re-balance power in our country for the better.