Give Children the Vote: On Democratizing Democracy

The right to vote has been extended to various groups throughout history, transforming the meaning of democracy. However, children are increasingly active in political movements and should be given the vote. This book argues that suffrage cannot be limited by age and presents a childist theory of voting that empowers children and holds elected representatives accountable to their lived experiences. It also introduces proxy-claim voting to ensure non-competent persons can exercise their vote.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Throughout history, the right to vote has been extended to various groups, including landowning men, the poor, minorities, women, and young adults. In each instance, the definition of democracy itself has undergone a profound transformation. However, a significant segment of humanity, comprising approximately one-third, remains excluded from the democratic process: individuals under the age of 18. Despite this, children are increasingly becoming active participants in political movements advocating for climate regulation, labor rights, gun control, transexual identity, and racial justice. These efforts have sparked a growing global movement to eliminate minimum ages of enfranchisement.

In this book, the author argues that it is high time to grant children the right to vote. Drawing upon political theory and childhood studies, the author demonstrates why suffrage should not be restricted based on age and why universal voting holds immense benefits for all. The book meticulously addresses a diverse range of objections, including concerns about competence, knowledge, adult rights, power relations, harm to children, and many more. It also develops a comprehensive childist theory of voting, centered around the notion of holding elected representatives accountable to the diverse lived experiences of the people.

Furthermore, the book introduces the concept of proxy-claim voting, whereby parents or guardians exercise proxy votes on behalf of non-competent individuals, both children and adults, until such time as those individuals wish to claim or reclaim the exercise of their vote for themselves. Ultimately, the book presents a novel vision of democratic voting that empowers children equally, thus achieving true democratic representation.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 137 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350196261