Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, Melanie Phillips rightly urges caution over lowering the voting age to 16 (“Keep children well away from the ballot box”, Apr 15). The danger stems not so much from children’s judgment but from further exposing them to nefarious influencers with extreme political views. Nonetheless, encouraging active citizenship in the young should be a priority in every democracy. Hence, children at 16 (or indeed younger) should have the chance to vote in a ballot held concurrent to general elections for representation in the form of a children’s minister who could champion their needs. This would allow them to practise their “obligations of a citizen” while also ensuring political parties took seriously the views of young people.

Source: The Times April 16, 2025 12:01 UTC