At 16 and 17 you can leave home, pay income tax and National Insurance, receive benefits, drive a car or motorbike and even have a baby. Yet you can not vote for the elected representatives whose decisions can affect all these responsibilities you may hold. The British Youth Council believes that young people should have the choice to use their voice and their vote. Young people are more informed about politics than ever before, with information available on both the internet and TV. With varied, diverse and strong opinions, 16 and 17 year olds deserve the right to use the ballot box and have their views represented.

From 20 October 2008 to 20 January 2009 this important chance to have your say on whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 is open.

Get involved by answering the short questionnaire on Votes at 16 or taking part in their online forum on this hot topic. It’s easy and quick to have your say on Votes at 16.

For more information visit www​.ycc​.uk​.net

Tell the Prime Minister what you think

Tell the PM what you think online — go directly to the PM’s website and add your signature to the online petition for Votes at 16. The deadline to sign up is 29 January 2009 so be quick!