Mac's Poll - Let's Vote

Curious to know what the general opinion is? Cast your vote and let's see!!

POLL: Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote?
Thursday, April 21, 2016 @ 8:26 PM

Much discussed around Europe over the past decade, Spain is now considering changing the law on the voting age, something Austria did in 2008.

Parliament has agreed to put the wheels in motion for 16- and 17-year-olds to be able to vote after a motion by the Catalunya Left Republicans (ERC) was approved by all bar the right-wing PP, centre-right Ciudadanos and the Basque nationalists PNV.

ERC recalled, in the motion, that youngsters aged 16 can legally marry, work, pay taxes, have consenting sexual relations and give their permission for medical treatment, including - despite the PP's efforts to the contrary - abortions.

But they are unable to decide who gets into power to spend the taxes they pay or alter the conditions through which they are employed, ERC pointed out.

In a State where 16-year-olds can be held criminally, civilly and fiscally liable, they cannot be denied the right to vote, says ERC spokesman Gabriel Rufián.

The socialists (PSOE), Podemos and the non-affiliated MPs all voted in favour - 174 in total - compared with 144 votes against and six who abstained, giving the motion a majority approval.

What do you think? Are 16-year-olds ready to vote?

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7 Comments

Falcón said:
Friday, April 22, 2016 @ 9:30 AM

I think that youngersters aged 16 years old shouldn't to
vote, because they still haven't enough knowledge and mature years.
The vote is a decission very important for country and not all people to able to vote with well knowledge.
I don't agree with spokesman Gabriel Rufian when said that they cannot be denied the right to vote.
I think that should vote between 18 and 20 years old.

MANXMONKEY said:
Saturday, April 23, 2016 @ 8:36 AM

When I was 16 I thought I knew it all. So did all my friends and we were so stupidly influenced by the pop media which was then as it is now rabidly leftist. I couldn't wait to get my labour party membership card at 18 and was active in University as well as the party and on starting my post grad training in the local newspaper was soon "father of the chapel" of the union. I actually knew nothing. Sod all. I just "knew" the mantra that Left was right and Right was wrong. It took years to learn from experience of what really went on in the world to have a rounded knowledge of the real world. That not all bosses are the enemy and that you need to study the facts before reaching an opinion. On reflection I don't think you should get the vote until age....45.

wodger said:
Saturday, April 23, 2016 @ 9:21 AM

Well if they are given a vote then they most likely won't bother unless they can do it on-line.

mphillips said:
Saturday, April 23, 2016 @ 12:19 PM

Oh my goodness. NO !!! I think even, voting at eighteen is too young. I can remember what I was like at eighteen, strewth, and when I was sixteen doesn't bear thinking about. I knew nada, but thought the world was black and white, good or bad and everybody would be lovely to each other if only they had love and the right environment.

Charlietwice said:
Saturday, April 23, 2016 @ 12:34 PM

Of course they should. Just because their view is different from others doesn't mean it's valid. We change our perspective and priorities as we age. The current government is treating young people despicably and wouldn't if they knew they had the vote. In particular if you can get married, work and specifically fight for your country then you should be able to vote! Otherwise don't let them do it!

alant said:
Sunday, April 24, 2016 @ 3:39 PM

I do not think so, although at 18 i was old enough to join the army and possibly give my life i do not think i was mature enough to have a vote, infact back then I was not old enough to have a vote.

Sara said:
Saturday, June 11, 2016 @ 5:39 AM

Do most 16 year olds really want to vote???? There will be those who like to be involved in politics etc - but I feel the average 16 year old is too busy either enjoying time with their friends - studying for their exams to be bothered. But if they really want to vote - that's good - because it is their future that is being decided - so they should at least have a say.