YOUNG PEOPLE WIN

2.47.58pm GMT Thu 9th Nov 2006

At 16 you pay tax, but can't choose the Government you're paying it to.

At 16, you can die for your country, but you can't elect those who send you to war. At 16 you pay tax, but can't choose the Government you're paying it to. At 16 you can get married and have a child - and then get fined for buying your partner a drink in a pub. For Liberal Democrats, you're an adult at 16 - that means votes, rights and respect.

At the meeting of the County Council on 2 November, members of the Kent Youth County Council joined KCC Councillors in the chamber to debate and vote on the proposal that the voting age be lowered to 16.

During the lively debate Martin Vye, Canterbury Liberal Democrat Councillor, said: "This has been Liberal Democrat policy in the last two General Elections. I challenge opponents to give good reasons why not." "At 16 you are free to choose whether you wish to continue your education or go in to full-time work. You are free to marry and have children. You also have the duty to pay tax---remember the great principle: no taxation without representation?"

Martin continued: "Opponents have argued that 16 to 18 year-olds are immature and irresponsible. Are immaturity and irresponsibility only found amongst this age -group? Think of 25 year-olds -or even forty year-olds—behaving badly! And if you want to see young people acting maturely and responsibly come along and listen to the Youth County Council."

"'Opponents suggest that young people won't vote. 40% of existing electors already don't vote. This is the fault of the parties. It's up to them to reach out and listen to ordinary people and address their real concerns. 16 to 18 year-olds also have legitimate concerns which parties could and should take up."

Martin concluded: "Let's not be jealous of this precious right to vote. Let's welcome as fellow-citizens 16 to 18 year-olds, and let's start listening to them." Martin was delighted when the Council voted, which is not binding on the County Council, 69 to 13 in favour of championing the lowering of the voting age to 16. All 13 who voted against were Conservative Members.