REDUCING THE VOTING AGE TO 16

Early day motion 1139, tabled 6 May 2004 by Valerie Davey (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House rejects the recommendation in the Electoral Commission's Report against lowering the voting age to 16; welcomes the work of the Votes at 16 campaign; believes that young people under 18 who are deemed by law to be old enough to pay income tax, marry, enrol in the armed forces and make choices about education, training or employment should have the right to vote; recognises that many 16 to 18 year olds make a valuable contribution to society; and wants to encourage their active citizenship by extending to them the franchise.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2.