The Electoral Commission has this week launched a consultation on the minimum age for voting and candidacy in UK elections.

At present, you have to be at least 18 years old to vote and 21 to stand as a candidate.

Forum Response: The Electoral Commission

Glyn Mathias, electoral commissioner, said: "The right to vote is one of the most important you can have in a democratic country.

"The key question for this review is whether young people under 18 should be given that right to vote or be able to stand as a candidate before they are 21.

"The Commission starts this review with a completely open mind on these issues and we do want to hear from as many people as possible, especially young people themselves."

Forum Response: British Youth Council

A spokeswoman for the British Youth Council told ePolitix.com: "The British Youth Council has seen one of its biggest campaign issues over the last few years come a step closer to reality with the launch of the Electoral Commission's consultation on the minimum age for voting and candidacy in UK elections.

"In welcoming the launch, BYC is looking forward to helping as many young people as possible have their say by making the consultation paper available through its network of member organisations and supporters.

"BYC believes that enabling 16 and 17 year olds to express their views through the ballot box will indicate to them and the rest of society that young people's opinions are valued and they have a vital role to play as citizens.

"It will provide an important step in connecting young people with the political process."

Forum Response: CARE

A spokesman for CARE told ePolitix.com: "CARE has no determined policy on this subject but is concerned that talk about lowering the voting age misses the point on the wider problem of voter apathy.

"16 year olds are not under the same obligations as 18 year olds and, therefore, there is no reason why they should necessarily receive the vote on a point of principle.

"The evidence suggests that 16 year olds are even more politically apathetic than the rest of the population.

"It is clear that there is a responsibility on the elected to re-engage the electorate to create a better society.

"Similarly, there is a responsibility on the electorate to get involved in politics. In a democracy, we get the politicians and policies we deserve. If we don't get involved, we're not really entitled to complain.'

"Harold Macmillan, the 1960s prime minister, said 'You've never had it so good.' Compared with pre-war generations the majority of us todayare well fed, free, secure, healthy, long-lived, and enjoy job security, leisure time, and significant disposable income.

"The growing middle class needs government less when life is good. It is the most vulnerable in society who are most affected by government. There is aresponsibility upon us all, regardless of our age, to get involved in politics for the benefit of all in society."

Forum Response: National Youth Agency

A spokesman for the NYA told ePolitix.com: "When young people reach the age of 16, with parental consent, they are legally permitted to leave home, join the armed forces, work full-time and get married.

"They can buy cigarettes, buy alcohol with a meal, have sexual relationships and leave school.

"They must pay taxes if their income is high enough and are considered to be fully responsible for any criminal activity from the age of 10 and, if convicted of a serious offence, can be given custodial sentences. The one thing they can't do, however, is vote.

"Young people often criticise politicians' failure to communicate effectively, or even at all, with their age group.

"With voter apathy increasing and declining levels of turnout by the electorate as a whole, particularly in local elections, wouldn't it make sense to engage a sector of the population who want to participate and who want their voice heard.

"If we expect young people to contribute to society fit for us all then we should give them a voice in that society."