Votes at 16
The Co-operative has joined the Votes at 16 Coalition to campaign for the voting age to be lowered to help boost democratic and parliamentary renewal in the UK and energise young people to better engage in society.
Our Votes at 16 campaign forms part of our broader commitment to young people and our inspiring young people community programme. We believe that in order for young people to play an active role in society, the first step is to trust, respect and empower them. Giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote is a key step towards ensuring their active citizenship.
Why Votes at 16?
Young people have a vital contribution to make in our society, our business and our communities. More 16-24 year olds volunteer, for example, than any other age group - 62% volunteer at least once a year.
Lowering the voting age would provide the opportunity for the many young people who are already politically active to have their say and would...engage those who are not while they are still likely to be in a formal education setting.
Julie Morgan, MP
They offer energy, creativity and enthusiasm and are ready to make a difference on issues that matter to them. Yet sadly, many are excluded, disengaged, ignored or outcast, unable to fulfil their potential.
It is critical that we connect young people to our democracy. Lowering the voting age to 16, combined with strong citizenship education, is the best way to do this - voting is the fundamental way that we shape the future on important issues from climate change and poverty, to racism, crime and education.
Political parties create manifestos and policies based on the values of those whose support they are trying to attract. Extending the vote to 16 and 17 year olds would invite their positive contribution, reinvigorate democracy, and ultimately constitute a fundamental shift in public policy from legislating ‘for’, to ‘with’, young people.
More about the campaign...