Children have no say in the decisions that govern their lives simply because of their age. Not having the right to vote excludes them from the democratic process and is a major reason why their rights continue to be unfulfilled.
Age restrictions based on children’s perceived lack of capacity is arbitrary and ignores the wide range of skills and competencies possessed by different children. That a child is interested in politics and voting is indication enough of capacity and potential.
Individuals of all ages should be allowed to vote as and when they choose to do so and are able to register for voting.
Read more on page 9 of our discussion paper Age is Arbitrary: Discussion paper on setting minimum ages.
Campaigns and resources
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“Right to vote: Children’s rights means citizens’ rights” by Bob Franklin, Professor at Cardiff University
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The Freechild Project’s page on Youth as Voters
- “Why Children and Youth Should Have the Right to Vote: An Argument for Proxy-Claim Suffrage” by John Wall in Children, Youth and Environments