Let 16-year-olds vote: MP

Published on 24/01/2013 17:03

LONDONDERRY MP Mark Durkan has welcomed political approval for lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 as demonstrated by a Westminster vote through which the proposal was backed by 119 to 46 MPs.

Mr Durkan said: “I strongly welcome the passing of this motion.

“16 is the age at which many of our young people start to make real decisions about their lives, and many significant rights come into play.”

Mr Durkan said that as 16-year-olds pay taxes, join armies and get married they should be allowed to vote as well.

“As MPs it is our duty to encourage political engagement among our young people,” he said.

“Indeed, lowering the voting age could play a huge role in helping our young people to feel more connected with political processes and is the next logical extension for citizenship education occurring in our schools.”

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Let 16-year-olds vote: MP

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