SHOULD the voting age be lowered or would allowing even more teenagers to vote undermine our democratic process?

Those in favour of enfranchising younger people point to the fact that at the age of 16 you can get married or register a civil partnership, join the Armed Forces a trade union, or work full-time if you have left school.

Many 16 years olds hold jobs, pay taxes, and can even drive which leads some to the conclusion that they should be entitled to a say in how the government is run.

Issues such as education, employment opportunities and the environment are all hot topics at General Elections so why shouldn’t the people who are the future of our country have a say matters which affect their lives?

With more people involved in politics, the next generation may provide new insights and ideas to contribute to the public debate and discussion.

Some argue that at 16 years old, people aren’t yet mature enough or informed enough to vote

Youth may be more susceptible to be influenced by their peers or pressure from extremist groups, or be targeted by mainstream parties through social media.

Teens lack real world experience, most do not pay taxes, and they may not have a good understanding of how certain decisions may affect the country in the long term.

On balance we believe we should allow 16 and 17 year-olds to vote because they are legally allowed to do other, far more important, life-changing things than put a cross on a ballot paper, so why not let them to vote as well.