Loughborough MP Backs Votes at 16

Loughborough MP Andy Reed this week backed proposals allowing 16 year olds to vote in local and general elections.

Although the proposals were defeated by 136 votes to 128 the Loughborough MP has stated he is committed to lower the voting age to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.

Reed said:

“I want to see a fairer system in place and to me that would be a system that allows 16 and 17 year olds to vote. From the age of 16 you are able to pay taxes, join the armed forces, even marry but for some reason the voting age does not reflect this. If you are old enough to pay taxes then in my mind you are old enough to have a say about how your taxes are being spent.

“I have found from my many visits to local schools and colleges in and around Loughborough that many 16 and 17 year old are very interested in politics and the current issues of the day that we are debating in Parliament. Many 16 and 17 year olds would be more than able to make reasoned and informed decisions on who to vote for.

“Although the Bill to lower the voting age was defeated this week, I will continue to campaign for 16 and 17 year olds to get the vote.”