Thinktank calls to give teenagers the vote

VOTING should be extended to include about one million teenagers excluded by "outdated" attitudes, according to thinktank Demos.

It said yesterday that the case for enfranchising 16- and 17-year-olds was now "stronger than ever". As the nation faced decisions with "profound" consequences for young adults, they should be given the "social responsibility" that came with voting.

The Demos research warns an ageing population and the fact older people are more likely to vote means older people will form the most powerful voting bloc in future elections.

Demos director Richard Reeves said: "At 16 young people can serve in the armed forces, be company directors and pay income tax. They are able to take a bullet for their country before they are old enough to cast a ballot for who governs it."