Politics in Action Joins the Launch of My Life MySay’s V.16 Campaign in Manchester

Politics in Action were delighted to join the launch of My Life My Say's Votes at 16 campaign at Manchester’s People’s History Museum in June, as members of it’s Expert Advisory Panel and Youth Steering Group.

My Life My Say is a youth led movement to encourage participation in democracy and the democratic voting process. The Votes at 16 campaign aims to lower the voting age to 16 across all parts of the UK, by drawing on the history of previous movements in Scotland and Wales. By achieving this goal, we can give democracy a much needed update. Young people are at the heart of this effort and as such, it represents a key step towards active and meaningful participation in shaping their own future, while building greater trust between themselves and politicians.

Four of our young advocates, Oliver, Dany, Maddison and Connor, attended the event on behalf of our Votes at 16 campaign group. Maddison, who is also a member of My Life My Say’s youth steering group spoke about her role in the campaign, why it is important and how to ensure votes at 16 is implemented effectively.

“We came up with V.16: Democracy needs an update because we thought it was relatable to young people and something that was easily understandable and accessible.

Political education is really where we need to start…If we bring it as early as first year by the time you are 16 you have the tools that you need to vote and to be able to engage in democracy.”

Connor, who is also a member of the Secondary School Students Union for Northern Ireland, added:

‍

16 year olds and 18 year olds currently get the same level of political education, which is very minimal. I think improving that, so that everyone going into the voting system understands how to read a manifesto, knows what they are voting for, so therefore not only is our democracy more widespread, it is more quality rather than quantity of votes”

Dr Jan Eichhorn, senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and research director of think tank d|part also spoke to Votes at 16 campaigner Oliver Mercer during the event about the momentum of the votes at 16 campaign in theUK and how we can make it a success.

“I think there is huge momentum in the UK……I think it is very likely that we will see votes at 16 implemented UK wide in the near future. Empower young people to exercise their rights. Part of that is good citizenship education, which builds confidence in young people. The other side is to remove the barriers to voting.”

The People’s History Museum provided a perfect venue for V.16’s launch. The museum tells the story of how democracy has evolved throughout Britain’s history to the present day, featuring collections on trade union movements and the suffragette movement. The campaign to extend Votes at 16 to all parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland is an important part of this history and ongoing archive. The launch of V.16 presents a vital opportunity for young people to share their voices, engage directly with parliamentarians and promote crucial cross-party consensus and dialogue between themselves and key policy makers.

As we approach the NI Assembly 2027 elections, the drive to implement UK wide votes at 16 legislation also signifies an important democratic milestone for young people in Northern Ireland. The launch of this campaign is an important step toward giving them the tools and platform needed to create a positive future that works for them.

Ensuring votes at 16 is implemented effectively across the UK for the 2029 general election and beyond requires the voices and input of young people.

Let’s work together and update democracy to the version that young people deserve.

‍