VOTING AGE AND 16-YEAR-OLDS

Early day motion 1472, tabled 12 May 2009 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 43 members.

That this House commemorates the 40th anniversary on 12 May 2009 of the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18 years; notes that in the eyes of the law young people aged 16 years can take on full-time jobs, pay taxes and become sexually active; further notes that a recent report by the Electoral Reform Society shows that polling of 16 and 17 year-olds consistently shows that a majority want the voting age lowered to 16 years; and urges the Government to lower the voting age to 16 years to ensure young people's rights reflect their responsibilities.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.