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NUS calls for Government action on voting age reform

The Youth Citizenship Commission issued its long awaited report, Building youth citizenship in the UK, recommending that the UK governments consider reform of the voting age.

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Among the report's recommendations, the commission suggested that the devolved Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland and Welsh Assemblies set their own voting ages for elections.

NUS and the Votes at 16 coalition believe the government should not delay in reforming the voting age. The majority of young people support Votes at 16. 

NUS believe that the government should act now, and give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote.

Susan Nash, NUS Vice President Society and Citizenship said:

"A majority of young people support votes at 16.  Our members want to be heard and the government should act now!

"Voting gives young people a stake in their communities and a stake in our democracy.  Young people can leave home, get a job, pay taxes, get married and join the army. Yet 16 and 17 year olds cannot vote for the government.  At at time when we need to rebuild trust in our democracy it is vital young people are engaged and involved."

Currently 16 and 17 year olds are entitled to vote in all three British Crown Dependencies; the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. 

NUS and the Votes at 16 coalition will be pushing for Votes at 16 to be included in the forthcoming Constitutional Renewal Bill.

Read the full Youth Citizenship Commission report  and join the Votes at 16 coalition to show your support for reform.