ISLE OF MAN'S GENERAL ELECTION AND VOTING AGE

Early day motion 277, tabled 23 November 2006 by Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes that the General Election in the Isle of Man on 23rd November 2006 was the first opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the British Isles; further notes that in 1881 the Isle of Man was the first place to give women the vote in a parliamentary election; applauds the reduction in voting age as engaging young people in the democratic process; believes that Britain ought once again to follow the Isle of Man's lead and extend the electoral franchise to 16 and 17 year olds; and calls on the Government to hold a free vote on this issue as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 15, Labour 12, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Scottish National Party 1.