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NUS-USI supports votes at 16
The Student Movement in Northern Ireland today voiced their support for the Voting Age (Reduction) Bill which is due to receive its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 13th. The Private Members’ Bill, sponsored by Labour MP Julie Morgan, has received widespread political support across the UK along with the backing of the campaign group ‘Votes at 16’ who include organisations such as the Electoral Reform Society and the UK Youth Parliament. Commenting on the issue, Katie Morgan, President of NUS-USI said “We firmly believe that this Bill is a positive step forward in the empowerment of young people in the UK. Sixteen is the age at which young people start to make real decisions about their lives and the ability to vote is definitely one of these. There is deep concern about young people disengaging from the political system. By excluding 16 and 17 year olds, you only exacerbate the problem. We believe that getting people involved at a younger age will spur on others around them to do the same. We urge all Northern Irish MPs to take a positive stand on this issue and vote in favour of the Bill this Friday. Young people care about politics and activism, they want to shape their own futures. Let the politicians now give them the ability to do so”.