By Zak Bouqdour

If 16-year-olds are trusted to work, pay taxes, and even join the army, why shouldn’t they have a say in who governs them?

Can you explain the difference between first-past-the-post and proportional representation? Or name how many constituencies make up the UK Parliament? You’re not alone, most adults struggle with basic political knowledge.

A study by UK Parliament found that only 38% of adults could correctly identify the number of MPs in the House of Commons, and nearly half couldn’t name their own MP. Even more striking, just 22% say they understand how decisions are made in Britain. If ignorance were grounds to deny voting rights, most adults wouldn’t qualify. Dismissing teens as “too uninformed” isn’t just unfair, it’s hypocritical.

Allowing 16-year-olds to vote is a step toward a more inclusive democracy. In Scotland and Wales, young people already vote in Holyrood, Senedd, and council elections.........

© LBC