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A compulsory electoral registration drive would be launched in schools by an incoming Labour government in an effort to raise the “woefully low” voting rates among young adults, the i paper has learnt.
But who are these children and what do they know about politics?
Isaac Vaughn, 15, Brighton
Youth unemployment is the most important issue on the agenda for me. You see it everywhere. A lot of job adverts say you can’t apply without previous experience, which bars young people. It’s really important they keep up the pressure to solve the problem.
Ellie Emberson, 15, Reading
Governments do not listen to young people. They do not consult or engage with us regarding issues that affect us and our future. For example, there has been no proper consultation with young people regarding exam reforms. We should be involved with such decisions. It is our future.
Toby Hancock, 16, Oldham
If I was to vote tomorrow, I would vote for The Green Party. I feel that Ukip’s policies would destroy much of the progress Britain has made in the last 50 years. To add to this, the Greens are the only people who are fully committed to protecting the environment for generations to come.
Chloe Lintern, 15, Colerne, Wiltshire
I want to be able to vote for whoever would help give me the best possible future. The turnout in the younger age ranges is lower, yet it seems to be the future generations who are suffering most. The rise in tuition fees is a prime example of this. If I was given the power to vote, I would feel my opinions would matter sooner rather than later.
Georgina Hayes, 16, Poole
I am currently an A-level politics student and feel I have a strong understanding of the major parties and their ideologies. I work for my local Liberal Democrat office and was even a member of the Question Time audience last month. I am perplexed as to why I can’t vote.
Alex Rodrigues, 16, Leicestershire
My vote would most probably go to the Greens. There are a whole range of issues that concern me, but obviously as a young person education is fairly high up on the list. The fear of tuition fees rising is one thing. I’m also concerned about welfare cuts and whether we provide support to the people that need it.
Nathiyaa Thevananth, 16, Hampton Hill
I’ve been politically aware since I was nine. I listen to LBC every day and often watch the News at Ten. I read newspapers online daily. At 10 we are deemed to have independent thought and a moral compass. At 14, we take one of the most important series of exams. Surely, by the age of 16, we are responsible enough to vote?
Robbie Nicoll, 16, Angus
Paying tax, getting married, moving out, joining the army – some of the things a 16-year-old can do. I, along with other 16- and 17-year-olds will be voting in the Independence referendum and I strongly believe that this should be the case for all elections.