Votes for 16 year olds – what teachers think revealed with intriguing age split

They are arguably the best judge on 16-year-olds getting the vote but teachers are split on the issue – depending on their age.

Teachers are broadly in favour but those 50s-plus are marginally against, a survey shows. It comes after it was revealed 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans. Critics may question the maturity of those that young helping decide who runs the country. But the move represents a win for supporters who think youngsters old enough to join the Army are ready for the responsibility. Sir Keir Starmer has described it as “important” for 16 and 17-year-olds to have the vote.

The PM highlighted how “they’re old enough to go out to work, they’re old enough to pay taxes,” adding: “I think if you pay in you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on.” And, overall, teachers are in favour of the move – with 47% either strongly or slightly agreeing the general election voting age should be 16.

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Only 38% disagreed, either strongly or slightly, and 15% neither agreed nor disagreed, according to a poll of over 9,000 teachers. But when the figures are looked at closely, a fascinating difference can be observed depending on teachers’ age. Those in their 20s back the change 51% for to 35% against, with 30-somethings behind it 49% to 35%. Teachers in their 40s also support the move, 45% to 39%.

But it is a different story for those aged 50s-plus. Though they are marginally opposed to it overall – 44% against compared to 43% backing – a gap opens up among those who feel most passionately. Among the 50-plus aged teachers who answered, 27% strongly disagreed. Teacher Tapp surveyed 9,626 secondary and primary teachers in England on 18 July on the statement “The voting age for General Elections should be 16”. The results were weighted to reflect national teacher and school demographics.

It comes after Labour’s manifesto last year pledged: “We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy, by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections.” And earlier this month, the government confirmed the move with Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali declaring: “By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy…”

Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was "a brave choice set to benefit generations to come". But in the Commons, Tory shadow communities minister Paul Holmes questioned: "Why does this Government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're voting in?"

The Greens and Lib Dems both welcomed the decision. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969. And 16-year-olds are already able to vote in Scottish and Welsh elections.