I’ve been watching this thread with interest on and off today.
The UK has, over the last few years or so, been steadily increasing the age at which children become adults. The most significant change is in education. Until 1972 the school leaving age (SLA) was 15. The Education and Skills Act of 2008 decreed that it would be raised to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015. Let’s be under no illusions that children can enter full time work at 16. They cannot. They may be lucky enough to gain a place on a training or apprenticeship scheme that pays them whilst they learn, but they are still learning. (I have my own view that the SLA was raised because schools cannot now educate children to a decent enough standard by the time they reach 16 and need a couple of years more to do the job. But that’s largely beside the point).
A number of interesting points have been made to justify lowering the voting age:
“Paying tax”. Few 16-18 year olds pay income tax. Some pay indirect taxes, but so do ten year olds from their pocket money. And in any case, if paying tax means you should have a vote then it could be argued that not paying tax means you should not. Clearly a weak argument.
“You can join the Army (and presumably fight and die for your country)”
Yes you can, but no you can’t. You can join the Army at 16 only with parental consent. Until 18 you will be a “Junior Soldier” and effectively be in full time training (to comply with the 2008 Act). You cannot be deployed on combat missions until that training is finished.
The Criminal Justice system classifies those under 18 as “children”. They are afforded additional rights when appearing in court (such as anonymity and having their hearings held in private) and are subject to lower sentences. If they are committed to custody they do not go to adult prisons until they are 21.
Under 18s cannot buy alcohol or tobacco. They cannot enter into contracts. There is a whole host of things they cannot do and these rules and laws are firmly established. But it seems the Welsh Assemby (and the Scottish Parliament) want young people to have their cake and eat it.
All rights should be accompanied by responsibilities. The right to vote carries the responsibility that it will be exercised with some consideration and care. Many other institutions (some of which I’ve mentioned) believe that, in general, the maturity needed to exercise such responsibilities is 18. Voting should be no exception. What really needs addressing is why the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament have been given free rein to vary the voting age for their elections. But that’s another argument.