A controversial take I don't think should be controversial

Landed immigrants, foreign students of age and permanently residents, basically anyone who is going to be here long term should be able to vote.

Why? Because they contribute to the economy and the future of the country and the politicians get huge amounts of control over their future. So I believe they should get a say.

You don't have to be a citizen for the government to have huge amounts of control over your daily life, so you should not have to be a citizen to vote. Period.

You don't have a democracy if not every person impacted by the vote gets a say.

I also would lower the voting age to 16 since you don't have to be 18 to enter the workforce and contribute. And I don't think there is any magical wisdom that happens between 16 to 18.

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Burnley123 · 41-45, M

I absolutely agree.

In the he UK, my immigrant girlfriend can't vote in national elections. She's allowed to vote in council elections but not for MPs. She is politicised and knowledgeable and has legal permanent resident status. She also works full time in a demanding job fwiw .

Sadly, it's not going to happen. The immigration sentiment in the UK is every bit as big as in America. Our Labour government has passed a range of anti migrants measures and Nigel Farage''s Reform party is still top of the polls.

In this climate, she's unlikely to get deported but its a non negligible risk. It's more likely kely than her ever being allowed to vote.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Burnley123 It is unlikely, but it will look increasingly odd after the voting age is reduced to 16. Anyone who participates in civil society should be fully enfranchised.

Those whose lives were most severely disrupted by Brexit did not get a say in the matter.