ARCHIVED news story
Jenni gets out the Young People's vote
Released on 04 March 2005
I think it’s about time Government Ministers recognised that young people know the big issues, and know what they want for themselves and for the country
Jenni Clutten, SNYA Chair
South Norfolk Youth Action chair Jenni Clutten has urged young people of voting age to get on the electoral register in time for the coming County Council, and possibly, General Elections.
And she has further called on the Government to drop the voting age to 16.
The 17-year-old from Hethersett, who is studying for her A levels at Wymondham College. She was also recently elected deputy to Youth Parliament Member Tom Allen from Great Yarmouth. And she is chair of Hethersett Youth Parish Council.
She said: “National politics and the future of this country are too important to be left to adults. Young people have a voice, but they need to make it heard. That means in the first instance, getting on the voting register.
“And I call on everyone who is aged 18 or over to do just that and contact South Norfolk Council now. You must have your forms back with them before Friday 11 March to be sure of being able to vote on 5 May.
“Having said that, it’s crazy that someone like me, who is 17, is going to miss out on the chance to vote on the future direction of this country – just because I am a few months short of my 18th birthday.
“The Government that will be elected, possibly this Spring, is going to be making decisions about my future, my education and my job prospects for the next five years - and I can do nothing about choosing it.
“I have to confess that I have an ambition … to be Prime Minister. And if I were Prime Minister today – I would drop the voting age to 16 – in time for the next General Election.
“If I can get married, leave school, work full time, pay taxes, leave home, join the armed forces and get social security benefits – all at 16 - why can’t I vote at 16?”
Recently, the children’s charity Barnardo’s has joined other organisations to give its backing to the ‘Votes at Sixteen’ campaign. Barnardo’s told Children’s Minister Margaret Hodge that young people had “powerful views” on many issues.
Jenni added: ”I think it’s about time Government Ministers recognised that young people know the big issues, and know what they want for themselves and for the country.”
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