https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c628ep4j5kno
So the labour party apparently believes that 16 and 17-year-olds are old enough to vote. But not old enough to:
- Leave school
- Hold down a full-time job
- Buy a plastic knife
- Play the lottery
- Buy alcohol
- Smoke
- Sue someone in court without permission
- Get married (in England and Wales)
- Watch porn
- Make porn
- Go to war
- Stand for parliament
Now in my mind voting is one of the most adult things you can do. You are taking responsibility for the running of the country (indirectly). So my question, and it is a serious question for debate, if 16 and 17-year-olds can be expected to vote what other adult things could they reasonably expect to do.
For the record I personally am in favour of reducing the voting age but I do think it produces important inconsistencies that should probably be addressed. At the very least you should be able to stand in the elections you are voting for. If a 16-year-old can vote for an MP they should be allowed to be an MP.
