Year 9 - Citizenship
Should the voting age be reformed?
How can young people play an active role in democracy?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils consider what role they can play in their communities from school to local and national democracy.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to 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.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- All nations within the United Kingdom have the same voting age for all elections.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key 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.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? '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.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All nations within the United Kingdom have the same voting age for all elections. Correction: 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.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How can we contribute to school decision-making? Study Guide
- How can we engage in local democracy? Study Guide
- How can we influence those in power using democratic processes? Study Guide
- How can we make change happen? Study Guide
- Should young people have the right to stand in local elections? Study Guide
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