THE NATIONAL voting age should be reduced to 16, was the view of Tavistock College students as they engaged in heated argument with politicians and councillors last week.
Organised by WestDEN, ?The Big Debate? aimed to eke out young people?s views on the political system.
The subject under consideration was ?Do young people have anything to gain from getting involved in politics??
After challenging rhetoric from all sides the final answer was a resounding ?Yes!?.
The students contended that the political arena needed to become more accessible to their age group with emphasis put on teaching children about politics and democracy from primary age.
They said: ?By the time we reach secondary school it?s too late ? we?ve already lost interest!?
Students also felt their views should carry more weight politically and suggested the voting age be reduced to 16.
In order to have a voice in national government they proposed a reduction in the minimum age to stand for election from 21 to 18.
It was felt this would encourage young people to be more active politically and would result in a government more in touch with the youth of today.
Speakers at the debate, pictured left to right with West Devon mayor Cllr Peter Hill in the centre, were David Walter, prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for the Liberal Democrats in West Devon and Torridge, Robyn Ough, PPC for the UK Youth Parliament in West Devon and Torridge, Mark Formosa, PPC for the Conservative Party in North Cornwall, and Conservative Cllr Mandy Govier of West Devon Borough.
Also present was Mo Morel, project manager for WestDEN.