New
New
Should 16- and 17-year-olds be allowed to vote in elections?
I can explain arguments for and against allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections and formulate my own opinion on the issue.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Should 16- and 17-year-olds be allowed to vote in elections?
I can explain arguments for and against allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections and formulate my own opinion on the issue.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- You can vote in elections if you meet the eligibility criteria including age, citizenship, and residency.
- You cannot vote in a general election until you are 18.
- There are certain things you can do at 16, for example, apply for a passport or open a bank account.
- There are other things you have to be 18 to do, for example, get a tattoo or get married.
- The discussion on lowering the voting age to 16 is complex and can be divisive with strong arguments on both sides.
Keywords
Vote - a formal way of making a choice or decision
Election - the voting process to select a person for a public position
General election - when the citizens of a country (the electorate) vote to elect a new government; a general election in the UK happens at least every five years
Common misconception
Currently no 16- and 17-year-olds have the right to vote in elections in the UK.
In Scotland and Wales, you can vote from the age of 16 in Senedd, Scottish Parliament, and local elections.
Encourage critical thinking by asking pupils to debate the pros and cons of lowering the voting age. Divide the class into groups, assigning each group a different perspective (e.g., supporters, opponents, and those who are undecided).
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What was the main aim of the Suffragists and Suffragettes?
What was the main aim of the Suffragists and Suffragettes?
to promote women’s rights in the workplace
to provide education for women regardless of income
to support women’s participation in social matters
Q2.Which of the following best describes the members of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS)?
Which of the following best describes the members of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS)?
radicals who advocated for violent protest
political activists who were members of the Labour Party
members of the royal family who supported women's rights
Q3.Which of the following was a result of the groups campaigning for women's suffrage?
Which of the following was a result of the groups campaigning for women's suffrage?
Women gained the right to vote only after 1945.
Women gained the right to vote in 1925, after a petition was successful.
Q4.Which of the following primarily makes political decisions in the UK: the Prime Minister and Cabinet, or the monarch?
Which of the following primarily makes political decisions in the UK: the Prime Minister and Cabinet, or the monarch?
Q5.Match the type of election to who is being elected.
Match the type of election to who is being elected.
Q6.Why is voting an important way to take part in politics?
Why is voting an important way to take part in politics?
It allows you to watch debates in Parliament live.
It lets you become a Member of Parliament yourself.
It helps you write laws yourself.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the correct term for the following definition: a formal way of making a choice or decision?
What is the correct term for the following definition: a formal way of making a choice or decision?
Q2.What are the criteria you have to meet in order to be eligible to vote in an election in the UK?
What are the criteria you have to meet in order to be eligible to vote in an election in the UK?
gender
race
Q3.At what age can you register to vote for elections in England and Northern Ireland?
At what age can you register to vote for elections in England and Northern Ireland?
Q4.Which of the following can you legally do at 16?
Which of the following can you legally do at 16?
buy a lottery ticket
serve on a jury
buy and drink alcohol in a bar
Q5.What is the age in which you can vote in local elections in England?
What is the age in which you can vote in local elections in England?
Q6.Which of the following are arguments for giving 16-year-olds the vote?
Which of the following are arguments for giving 16-year-olds the vote?
People become legal adults at the age of 18, not 16.
Most 16-year-olds still live at home and may be easily influenced.
Young people can be seen as lacking life experience.
