The Youth Assembly, a platform representing young individuals aged 12 to 16, is advocating for the voting age to be lowered to 16. The Youth Assembly is made up of 90 randomly-selected citizens. It gives young people a clear opportunity to interact with elected officials and share their feedback on policies impacting their lives. Their most recent debate, for example, was over whether to give 16-year-olds the right to vote. This new policy would be a huge step toward increasing political participation and activism among youth.
Members of the Youth Assembly would have previously been given voting rights in other voting capacities. They’ve been active in local government races, as well as the elections for the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Parliament. Perhaps most importantly, they voted in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. Despite these opportunities, the Youth Assembly argues that extending voting rights to 16-year-olds across all elections is crucial for broader political involvement.
Shea, a member of the national Youth Assembly, in telling her story underscored young people’s hunger to engage and influence the political process.
"People aged 16-17, like myself, do want to get politically involved and have that say in the process," Shea stated.
Cara, an advocate within the Youth Assembly, spoke of the gifts of voting rights. She hopes they might motivate her classmates to become more well-informed and take a greater interest in their country’s political process.
"I think voting rights would make my peers want to engage and learn about politics and the system we have in our country," Cara explained.
The Youth Assembly thinks that 16-year-olds should be able to vote. This amendment will make sure that their voices are heard, and give them the opportunity to determine their own future. Cara painted a vivid picture of the growing divide between young people and those elected to represent their interests.
"I think many young people want voting rights because they realise the people up in Stormont aren't them. That means their voices aren't being heard and it's the voices of people who aren't in the same situations as them," Cara remarked.
Edwin Poots MLA recognised the profound impact that young people have made on their work through their willingness to engage with scrutiny and consultations.
"The insight these young people have been able to bring in relation to the scrutiny of legislation, inquiries and consultations has given both Assembly Committees and Executive Departments the benefit of a different and important perspective," Poots stated.
