The British Youth Council believes 16 and 17 year olds should have the vote.

Why we want Votes at 16.

Young people should have the right to representation:

At 16 and 17 you can leave home, pay income tax and National Insurance, receive benefits, drive a car or motorbike and even have a baby. Yet you can't vote for the elected representatives whose decisions can affect all these responsibilities you may hold. We want the choice to use our voice and vote.

Young people have the knowledge and information to vote:

Citizenship education is now integrated into the National Curriculum for all 11 to 16 year olds. This means 16 year olds are now more informed about politics than ever before, plus have so much more info at hand on the internet and TV. Yet 16 and 17 year olds are still denied the right to put this knowledge to practical use and vote.

Young people are passionate about political issues:

Young people may sometimes feel disengaged from politicians but we still care passionately about political issues. Just ask us about climate change or the war in Iraq! We have varied, diverse and strong opinions and deserve the right at 16 to use the ballot box to have these views represented.

Get active...

If you feel strongly about this issue and would like to get involved why not join the BYC Online Action Network - a flexible way have your say and be heard.

Past campaigning activities have included collecting 3000 Votes at 16 postcards addressed to the Prime Minister and delivering these to Number 10 and visiting Parliament to lobby MPs.

For more information on the Votes at 16 campaign please drop us an email.