Should the voting age be reformed?
I can explain what is meant by voting reform and identify arguments for and against whether the voting age should be 16 across the UK or not.
Should the voting age be reformed?
I can explain what is meant by voting reform and identify arguments for and against whether the voting age should be 16 across the UK or not.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Voting reform refers to changes made to voting laws or systems. These changes aim to make the democratic process fairer.
- In Scotland, the voting age was reduced to 16 years old by the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act 2015.
- The Senedd and Elections Act 2020 extended the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds in Wales.
- Supporters say 16 year olds are responsible and politically educated. It could boost long term voter turnout.
- Critics say 16 year olds lack experience, are easily influenced and may not have enough political literacy to vote.
Keywords
Voting reform - the process by which the voting laws are modified and shaped over time to better reflect the social values that society feels are important
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Franchise - the right to vote in public elections
Common misconception
All nations within the United Kingdom have the same voting age for all elections.
In May 2025 in Scotland and Wales, apart from UK general elections, you can vote in public elections when you are 16 years old. Whereas in England and Northern Ireland you cannot vote until you are 18 years old.
To help you plan your year 9 citizenship lesson on: Should the voting age be reformed?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 citizenship lesson on: Should the voting age be reformed?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the How can young people play an active role in democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
asking for views before making a decision
taking organised action to bring about a change
talking to decision-makers to discuss concerns
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the legal right to vote in public elections
changes made to voting laws or systems to improve fairness
a system where local citizens vote for representatives in their area
a group led by young people that represents their views