Speaking at the launch of Headliners, the new name for youth journalism charity Children's Express, Hain said: "I am very much in favour of bringing the voting age down to 16, as well as reducing the age at which young people can stand in elections. We should introduce a system where a National Insurance number entitles you to vote, because some young people can't get on the electoral register."
Young people aged 18 and above will be able to stand for election to the Northern Ireland Assembly for the first time next month, when the age for candidacy will be brought down from 21. This means Sean Mitchell, 19, will be able to stand for the People Before Profit alliance (YPN, 31 January-6 February, p3).
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