Dundee LibDems reinforce calls for Votes at 16 (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee LibDems reinforce calls for Votes at 16

January 27, 2007 7:19 AM

Claire Matthew reinforces calls for Votes at 16

Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Saturday 27th January) reiterated their calls for young people to be allowed to vote at 16.

This follows Liberal Democrat Shadow Scottish Secretary Jo Swinson MP pointing out that new legislation which will allow 18-year-old candidates to stand at election should be followed by a lowering of the voting age.

Jo Swinson MP said, "It is entirely appropriate that the Liberal Democrats will be the first party to take advantage of the new laws allowing 18-year-old candidates, such as Stuart Douglas in Motherwell and Wishaw, to stand for election. We are the party that most understands and appeals to young people.

"However, our political system would benefit from not only younger candidates but also younger voters."

Here in Dundee, LibDem spokesperson Claire Matthew said, "It is time that the Labour government recognised that 16 year olds are perfectly capable of making informed voting decisions. If young people are to get involved in the democratic process, it is only right that they get the opportunity to vote at 16."