Votes at 16: Empowering Young People and Revitalising Democracy in Britain

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A short and pithy book weaving together the debates and evidence surrounding voting age to present a compelling case in favour of lowering the voting age in Britain to 16. By setting out the key reasons why the voting age should be reduced for all elections, this book powerfully refutes the arguments advanced by opponents of reform to the electoral franchise. Situating votes at 16 in its historical context in Britain, this book offers an overview of voting age reform over time, and examines the rise of this issue over the last 20 years. From evidence on the introduction of votes at 16 in six countries, it argues that this demonstrates 16- and 17-year-olds possess the knowledge and skills to vote. It also sets out how critical citizenship education can be enhanced to support the introduction of votes at 16 in Britain.

Author Bio

Ben Kisby is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK. Ben has presented conference papers at the Political Studies Association Annual Conference, the Social Policy Association Annual Conference, the American Political Science Association Annual Meeting and in the UK Houses of Parliament. Lee Jerome is Associate Professor of Education at Middlesex University, UK. He has taught in schools, universities and NGOs for over 20 years and has also worked with a range of organisations including the Association for Citizenship Teaching, BBC and UNICEF, to support high quality education.