Decisions now will affect their future
Councillors are in favour and the majority of Kentonline readers polled are against, but what do16year-olds at Invicta Grammar School think about getting the right to vote?
Amelia Farrow-Foster said: “Many current affairs will affect our generation so we should have a say.
“Even though some people may not utilise the opportunity to vote, others shouldn’t be put at a disadvantage due to these few people.
“I think there is the risk some people will vote without educating themselves on the matter but that is not specific for 16-yearolds – many adults now do the same.”
Mia Harris-Smith said: “There are some problems, such as how some 16-year-olds may not take the vote seriously, but personally I would not take the vote for granted and would ensure that I am making a fully informed and educated decision.
“Going out into the world at 18 is harder to do now then ever, so I think that it is essential that 16-year-olds are given the right to vote on matters that will affect us in the next few years.”
Ojuolape Tolu-Ogunpolu said: “I think the voting age should be lowered to 16 because the outcome of these votes will affect people of this age the most in the future. I believe the only issue that could arise from lowering the voting age is not enough people would be voting.
“That being said, there are people who do not vote in every currently eligible demographic, and an assumption young people don’t care shouldn’t be made until we are given the opportunity.”
‘I would not take the vote for granted and would ensure that I am making a fully informed and educated decision’