That has to be the clincher hasn't it?

Something unquestionably sits instinctively slightly uncomfortably with me about the idea of 16-years-olds having enough understanding - as a (unfairly?) generalised group - to sensibly discern whom to vote for, but that's not good enough, is it? If we're going to take money from someone then we damn well better give them a say on how it's spent. If we don't like that then leave their money alone.

Also, we've all encountered plenty of 18+ unutterable bellends who are entitled to vote and there's scant complaint there. (Furthermore, what about all the apparently incapable geriatrics that worry so many about their ability to drive? - should they be allowed to vote? If their faculties are so shot, I mean.)

I reckon we need simply to suck it up and take it upon ourselves to try to encourage 16 and 17-year-olds to engage and take a comprehensive interest in current affairs and politics. (Inasmuch as people do generally, anyhow.)

Either that or we all have to sit a test beforehand in order to try to achieve a passing grade entitling a vote. (That could be rather fun actually. If only to inspire an exciting fresh set of conspiracy theories.)

What's the war-fighting age, by the way? (That's always raised.) 16? If so, then there's no argument, surely. (And if it's 18 then maybe 16-year-olds should only be allowed to vote if they absolutely promise to shoot at a nasty foreign-looking type on their way to the polling booth?)

You can get a paper round at 13 and for those saying if they pay tax at 16 they should vote, well what % work at 16? Tiny amount because they are to young and want to stay in education TO LEARN, yes learn because they are kids still educating their selves.
no one gets married at 16 because it's to young, ide be intrested to see the last time a 16 year old actually got married ?
The courts view 16-17 as kids.
can't watch 18 movies
Can't buy alcohol
Can't buy cigerets
You remoaners really stretch the truth and this is what it's come to to block brexit! Get the brain washed kids to vote.

Edited by dannyboy1978 (30 Oct 2019 6.22am)

Remoaner? Really? I’m not in favour of the idea but it does seem unfair that you can be at work and not get a vote while students do.
According to the ONS in 2014 40 males and 200 females got married in The UK. The point isn’t whether they do or should it’s that they can.
By the same token are many 16 year olds likely to vote?
Many countries have a disparity in rights at different ages; in America you can vote at 18 but not drink until you’re 21 and I couldn’t buy cigarettes there without ID this year and I’m 60.

This is going to be a very interesting election with unusual voting patterns.

Who will Northern Labour leavers vote for and will Conservative voters whose MPs have continually blocked Brexit and effectively messed up parliament and what will Anna Soubry do after she's voted out of the House of Commons

Life is un fair, if you can vote at 16 why can't you drive at 16?
Most if not all kids at 16 are learning their trade because they are in experienced and that goes for life!

Brexit deal means ‘£70bn hit to UK by 2029'

Brexit no deal wipes 6% of incomes.

Johnson standing firm against Europe....

That's about the same cost as the foreign aid budget, I know what I would do!

Bye Bye Anna Soubry useless and clueless mp

Brexit deal means ‘£70bn hit to UK by 2029'

Brexit no deal wipes 6% of incomes.

Johnson standing firm against Europe....

I was out to work at 16 and paying tax so were many of my schoolmates.

I can't think of any reason why they should not vote, why don't they even things up by barring the vote to 75 years old plus.

There are no fools like elderly fools, bring on the young.