Thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds living in Cumbria will soon be able to vote.
The Government has moved to lower the voting age to 16 across the country before the next general election.
It comes as part of wider changes being made to election rules, which also include moving towards automatic voter registration and expanding the range of ID able to be used to vote.
The change also marks the biggest change to the electorate since the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.
It’s a decision that the Government said was ‘right and fair’ as sixteen and 17-year-olds are able to work, pay tax, serve in the military and contribute in other ways to society.
While sixteen and 17-year-olds will now be able to vote, they will only be able to do so at the next general election, which is expected to happen in 2029, but could happen earlier.
Young people will also be able to register to vote from 14-years-old but they still must be 18 to stand as a candidate in elections.
There are over 24,800 young people aged between 15 and 19 living in Cumbria – meaning thousands of youngsters in the 16 plus age bracket will soon be eligible to vote, according to ONS statistics.
Nationally – it means around 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote at the next election.
What does my MP think of the change?
Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness
Michelle said: “I’m really pleased we are moving forward to deliver on this commitment from our election manifesto.
“Getting more people involved in our democracy is a good thing. With many becoming disillusioned with politics in recent years, we really need to engage with people of all ages and rebuild the trust that their voice is being listened to.
“I believe that if you’re old enough to pay taxes, and serve in our armed forces, then you should get a say in how the country is run.”
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith & Solway
Markus said: “I appreciate some people will think this is ridiculous. But first you need to ask yourself the question do you know any 16-year-olds that have better judgement than 60 year olds?
“If the answer is yes; if a 16-year-old can work and pay tax and be impacted on by public services, then why wouldn’t we let them have a say in who runs this place?”
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington
Josh said: “I started my career teaching politics in secondary schools so I have always cared about this issue and wanted 16 and 17-year-olds to have power at the ballot box.
“I meet teenagers every week across West Cumbria who care passionately about our area and want a bigger stake in its future. They’re experiencing the same issues as everyone else but can’t engage in the democratic process in the same way.
“So I fully support the government’s plan to introduce votes for 16 and 17-year-olds at the next General Election, bringing us in line with Wales and Scotland where they already have this right.
“Alongside other reforms to our democratic system to make it easier to vote for everyone, such as automatic voter registration and allowing bank cards to be used as voter ID, this represents the biggest modernisation of our democracy in a generation.”
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale
Tim said: “I’m pleased that 16 and 17-year-olds will have the opportunity to vote in the next General Election.
“I proposed this idea in Parliament when I was Lib Dem Youth Affairs spokesperson back in 2005, but it was turned down by the Labour Government.
“One of the things I’m really passionate about is getting young people engaged in politics and I think this is a fantastic way of doing just that.
“I respect those who take a different view on this but I believe it’s important to give young people a say on the decisions which will impact their future.”
Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle and Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale have been contacted for comment.
