A cross party group has circulated a motion on Votes at 16, which is also Liberal Democrat policy. Thanks to the Oldham Liberal Democrat Group for drawing this to our attention. Find out more.
MODEL MOTION – VOTES AT 16
This council supports the extension of the electoral franchise to citizens aged 16 and over as a natural and just equalisation of voting rights to match personal responsibilities.
Council also supports the need for greater engagement with young people, leading to greater involvement of young people in the decisions that affect their community.
This council welcomes meaningful discussion on the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds to include civic and democratic education in schools.
Council recognises the ongoing Votes at 16 campaign by the British Youth Council, the UK Youth Parliament, [as well as our own elected youth council], to lower the voting age to 16.
Council therefore calls on the Chief Executive to write to the British Youth Council and the UK Youth Parliament to offer support for the Votes at 16 campaign.
This council calls for the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds, as outlined in existing Liberal Democrat policy.
This council resolves to :
- Write to the British Youth Council stating our support for the Votes at 16 campaign
- Write to local Members of Parliament stating our support for the Votes at 16 campaign
- Write to the [where relevant [City Region Mayor] [Police and Crime Commissioner] [Assembly member] stating our support for the Votes at 16 campaign
- Write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Cabinet Office to support extending the voting age to 16 and 17 year olds for all elections, including local elections, in the UK”.