FOR many teenagers juggling school, part-time jobs and sporting commitments, politics is the last thing on their minds.But the possibility of 16- and 17-year-olds having a voluntary right to vote was recently raised by Special Minister of State Joe Ludwig.And the government is set to raise the issue in its second electoral green paper later this year.Should people as young as 16 be allowed to vote? Click here to have your say in our online poll.Year 12 Ballarat Grammar students with allegiances on both sides of the political divide yesterday voiced their opinion on the plan. Alex Clark, 17, who considers himself a Liberal supporter said young people would be more likely to be influenced by trivial matters which would undermine the voting process."I think in Australia, until you become an adult you're not subjected to the political ramifications of the decisions of federal, state and local governments," he said. Alex said many young people didn't know much about politics and could be influenced by their parents and teachers"People don't really get an idea until they're out in the real world working." Stef Forbes, also 17 years old, supports the Labor Party. She said allowing young people to vote was a good idea. "I think our age group has a lot to offer the Australian government," she said."We are going to be affected by the policies in the future, so I think there should be the chance to have our say if we want to."Another Year 12 student, Millie Enbom-Goad backed the idea with conditions. "If kids were voting at that age there would have to be a program prior to that," she said. Ballarat MHR Catherine King did not express a preference either way yesterday."I've always been passionate about young people becoming engaged in the political process, and current issues," she said. "This is an important discussion that I hope will contribute to that."Liberal Senator for Victoria Julian McGuaran said 16 and 17-year-olds were too young to vote. "You can't drive you can't drink legally, you can't go to war and so you can't vote," Mr McGuaran said. "You're still learning about the process ... I think it would be too big a burden that most of them wouldn't take up."