1. Explain the arguments in favour of lowering the voting age.
Kirk Savva-Briggs Politics essay – Ms. Moss.
1. Explain the arguments in favor of lowering the voting age.
With more and more of the younger generation getting involved in current political affairs and issues, the UK government is under increasing pressure to lower the current voting age from 18 years to 16. These are some of the following arguments that are in favor of lowering the voting age.
Increased turnout.
The UK is currently facing a declining participation from the general public in formal politics. Since 1997 turnout for general elections has declined significantly and party membership has dwindled to an all-time low. Between 1951 and 2008 Conservative individual party membership has decreased from 2,900,000 to just 250,000 and Labor 876,000 to just 166,000.
The reasoning behind lowering the voting age for this issue stems from the belief that if students are educated, informed and encouraged to take an active part in politics, they are more likely to maintain the habit of voting throughout their lives if they start at a younger age. This theory is backed by Evidence from Austria that confirms that extending voting rights to people after they turn 16 promotes higher turnout for first-time voters and over time. Austria's experience also shows that 16- and 17-year-olds are ready for voting as far as making choices that accurately reflect their views. This is strengthened by the fact that 16 and 17 year-olds are more likely to be in, or to have recently been in, an environment where politics can be discussed. Meaning they will have a developed interest in the subject and be more likely to vote.
Some people may argue against this point. In the UK statistically the youngest age group has always provided the lowest turnout at elections. In addition to that, it could mean the national average turnout for elections decreases rather than increases.
Representation.
Another argument in favor of lowering the voting age is the issue of representation.
1. Explain the arguments in favor of lowering the voting age.
With more and more of the younger generation getting involved in current political affairs and issues, the UK government is under increasing pressure to lower the current voting age from 18 years to 16. These are some of the following arguments that are in favor of lowering the voting age.
Increased turnout.
The UK is currently facing a declining participation from the general public in formal politics. Since 1997 turnout for general elections has declined significantly and party membership has dwindled to an all-time low. Between 1951 and 2008 Conservative individual party membership has decreased from 2,900,000 to just 250,000 and Labor 876,000 to just 166,000.
The reasoning behind lowering the voting age for this issue stems from the belief that if students are educated, informed and encouraged to take an active part in politics, they are more likely to maintain the habit of voting throughout their lives if they start at a younger age. This theory is backed by Evidence from Austria that confirms that extending voting rights to people after they turn 16 promotes higher turnout for first-time voters and over time. Austria's experience also shows that 16- and 17-year-olds are ready for voting as far as making choices that accurately reflect their views. This is strengthened by the fact that 16 and 17 year-olds are more likely to be in, or to have recently been in, an environment where politics can be discussed. Meaning they will have a developed interest in the subject and be more likely to vote.
Some people may argue against this point. In the UK statistically the youngest age group has always provided the lowest turnout at elections. In addition to that, it could mean the national average turnout for elections decreases rather than increases.
Representation.
Another argument in favor of lowering the voting age is the issue of representation.