by Maymunah Azad

Today MPs will debate a bill on whether people like me, 16 or 17 year olds, will get the right to vote. If it passes, we’re one step closer to a historical change.  

In the general election this year, I and countless other young people watched in anxiety, scared that the issues we care about, and that affect our lives would be pushed to the back of the agenda because we couldn’t vote.

I’ve always been passionate about politics. There are so many injustices that need to be made right: whether it’s the NHS crisis, the low pay for hardworking people in society, support for teachers and emergency services, the rise of homelessness in our country – the list goes on.

Voting is only one way to have a voice, but it’s an important way, which is why I started this campaign.

For years I’ve watched politics, with disappointment at how little was being done for us, for the future. But now, I have a chance. You have a chance. The youth have a chance. 7,000 people have signed already, will you help by signing before today’s debate?

16 year olds are old enough to have families, pay the adult price on transport, pay tax and even join the army. Why are we held back from deciding what we want for our country? Why are we still sitting here, wishing we could have done something to take control of our future, but knowing we can’t?

This is why I’m asking you to support this petition, so we can finally get the Government to take us seriously. Every signature makes a difference, every share will force the decision makers to sit up and take notice. This cannot go on.

Please sign this petition and make a difference, for young people across Britain.

Thank you,

This guest blog has been written by Maymunah Azad, the petition starter calling for 16 and 17 year olds to get the right to vote. Find the petition here.