Votes at 16

the UK campaign

Ben Rawlings, National Coordinator

2007:Votes at 16 in Europe and closer

• Austria shows the way

• The UK gets surrounded!• Isle of Man• Jersey• Guernsey• Labour Party in the Republic of Ireland

• Scotland

A change in political climate• A new Prime Minister, a new hope

• “while the voting age has been 18 since 1969, it is right, as part of this debate [on engaging young people and improving citizenship education], to examine, and hear from young people themselves, whether lowering that age would increase participation in the political process”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, first speech to Parliament,

July 2007

• Senior Ministers come out for Votes at 16• Oona King appointed as Youth Engagement

Advisor

How did we get here?

• Broad campaign message

– broad coalition made up of partners with different interests and expertise

– Votes at 16 mainstreamed / embedded in everyday work – never-ending lobby of everybody!

• Young people campaigning

Current arguments

For:

• Turnout and participation

• Citizenship and cohesion

• Rights and fairness

Against:

• Changes in legal ages• Turnout in 18 – 24 age

range• Lack of demand

What do we do now?

• Expand and strengthen Coalition

• Rebrand as a focused, action-oriented campaign

Lobbying 1:the Westminster Village

• Identifying the delivery model: the Youth Citizenship Commission

• Laying foundations: the Private Member’s Bill and the Early Day Motion

• Media

Lobbying 2: the youth-led campaign

• Regional campaigns and team leaders– Spokespeople– Surveys, recruitment and training– The Local Authority campaign– Lobbying MPs

• Support and

administration

Prospects

Too good to be true?

• Key people in key positions• “Gone too far to not do it” – Bridget Prentice MP

• Is it a priority?• Delays and confusion

Votes at 16 UK

Ben Rawlings (National Coordinator)Votes at 16

c/o 6 Chancel Street

London SE1 0UU

www.votesat16.org.uk

info@votesat16.org.uk

+44 (0)20 7928 1622