For the scholars amonst us here is a brief resume of peoples right to vote.
In the early days there were 2 knights from each Shire (county) who were sent to the Commons. These knights were elected by members of the local county courts. They were joined later in the commons by 2 representatives from each Borough (town), although borough representation was not obligatory.
By the year 1430 only owners of freehold land worth over 40 shillings a year were eligible to vote in county elections. In boroughs qualification varied from each male head of household to those paying local taxes or to those who possessed property. This continued for over 400 years. By the end of the eighteenth century only 2% of the population could vote.
By the year 1832 the Reform Act saw redistribution of parliamentary seats to new cities and a change in the property qualification on voting. A uniform franchise was introduced in the boroughs giving the vote to those who paid more than £10 in rent or rates.Property qualifications also applied to those entitled to vote in rural areas. Only one man in seven now had the right to vote.
By the year 1867 the Second Reform Act extended the franchise enabling virtually all men living in urban areas to vote. This added approximately 1.1 million men to the existing electorate of 1.4 million.
By the year 1872 the secret ballot was introduced, initially as a temporary measure which was subject to annual review. It was established as a permanent measure in 1918.
By the year 1884 the third Reform Act gave men in rural areas the same franchise as those in the boroughs. The electorate now totalled over 5.5 million.
By the year 1918 the Representation of the People act gave men in rural areas the same franchise as those over 30 years old. The electorate increased from 8 million to 21 million.
By the year 1928 the Representation of the People (Equal franchise) Act lowered the voting age for women to 21 years old.
By the year 1969 the age limit for voting was reduced to 18 years old for men and women.
The Labour party was formed in 1893 but underwent changes and didn't really become any form of opposition until after 1900.It was the labour party the levelled the playing field in 1969 ensuring that both men and women aged 18yrs and over were allowed to vote.So Barry it depends upon how one interprets the facts.This govt was the first to allow all men and women the right to vote from 18yrs upwards.
