Vote for them (From York Press)

Vote for them

11:28am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

I WAS very pleased to see the step forward taken in the deal agreed between Prime Minister Cameron and First Minister Salmond in giving 16 and 17 year-olds the opportunity to vote in the Scottish referendum.

It is wholly appropriate that there is consistency between the referendum and other elections in Holyrood.

It does beg the question, however, as to why 16 and 17 year-olds in England are unable to take part in the democratic process for local government elections.

Given the responsibilities and freedoms we give to 16 and 17-year- olds in other aspects of their lives, I think the time has come to give them a right to participate in the decisions which will impact on them.

In York, we already have a Youth Council which is elected by younger people, who actively engage with local issues and represent the voice of younger people.

Their views are no less valid than the views of those only slightly older.

On the contrary, their engagement with local government at a young age is hugely positive and is likely to stay with them.

Coun James Alexander, Leader, City of York Council.