Agenda item

Notice of the following motion has been given by Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Wilby:

“This Council re-iterates its support for reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that our worshipful Mayor should, following the general election on 4th July, write an open letter to the Prime Minister requesting the introduction of legislation to reduce the voting age to 16.

Separately, this council will explore the creation of an advisory board, consisting of student representatives from colleges and secondary schools in the borough, allowing the sharing of opinions and perspective while considering issues faced by younger citizens.

We believe that encouraging participation in the political process is a valuable means of engaging young people in modern society and note law changes in both Scotland and Wales, where under 16’s can vote in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections and also in local council elections.

Historically “Voting at 16” motions have gained cross party support at Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council. We recognise the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds in Wales and Scotland and continue to believe that the young citizens of Maidstone should also play an important role in determining the future of their borough and country.”

Notice of the following motion was given by Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Wilby:

This Council re-iterates its support for reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that our worshipful Mayor should, following the general election on 4th July, write an open letter to the Prime Minister requesting the introduction of legislation to reduce the voting age to 16.

Separately, this council will explore the creation of an advisory board, consisting of student representatives from colleges and secondary schools in the borough, allowing the sharing of opinions and perspective while considering issues faced by younger citizens.

We believe that encouraging participation in the political process is a valuable means of engaging young people in modern society and note law changes in both Scotland and Wales, where under 16’s can vote in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections and also in local council elections.

Historically “Voting at 16” motions have gained cross party support at Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council. We recognise the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds in Wales and Scotland and continue to believe that the young citizens of Maidstone should also play an important role in determining the future of their borough and country.

When moving the motion, Councillor Clark, with the consent of the meeting and Councillor Wilby, his seconder, amended it by replacing the author of the letter from ‘the Mayor’ to ‘the Leader of the Council’.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor Dawes, to include “the Council endorses the democratic engagement strategy and requests work to prioritise engagement with 18 to 21 year olds.” The amendment was accepted by the mover of the motion, Councillor Clark, and the seconder, Councillor Wilby.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.9.2, at the conclusion of the debate, the Mayor referred the motion, as amended, to the Cabinet for consideration.

RESOLVED:

That the following motion be referred direct to the Cabinet for consideration:

This Council re-iterates its support for reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that our worshipful Mayor should, following the general election on 4th July, write an open letter to the Prime Minister requesting the introduction of legislation to reduce the voting age to 16.

Separately, this council will explore the creation of an advisory board, consisting of student representatives from colleges and secondary schools in the borough, allowing the sharing of opinions and perspective while considering issues faced by younger citizens.

We believe that encouraging participation in the political process is a valuable means of engaging young people in modern society and note law changes in both Scotland and Wales, where under 16’s can vote in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections and also in local council elections.

Historically “Voting at 16” motions have gained cross party support at Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council. We recognise the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds in Wales and Scotland and continue to believe that the young citizens of Maidstone should also play an important role in determining the future of their borough and country.

The Council endorses the democratic engagement strategy and requests work to prioritise engagement with 18 to 21 year olds.