Barnsley MP Michael Dugher has called for the voting age to be lowered to 16 to engage younger people in politics.
Mr Dugher, who is the vice chairman of the Labour Party, said confidence and trust in politicians was at an all time low following the expenses scandal.
He believes fresh ideas are needed to get youngsters involved in voting following the police and crime commissioner elections last month.
Mr Dugher said he agreed with James Evans, a member of the UK Youth Parliament, who in 2009 said: "At 16, we can marry our MP, we can sleep with our MP and we can have children with our MP.
"We can sign up in preparation for fighting, potentially dying for our MP. And suddenly we are not mature enough to vote for them. What an absolute disgrace."
Mr Dugher said a 'worrying' electoral commission study in 2010 revealed only 44 per cent of 17-24 year olds were registered to vote and that new ways to increase their participation was needed.
Mr Dugher added: "Many young people are the ones bearing the brunt of the harsh economic climate. Extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds would give them a tangible way of expressing their views.
"Young people need a say as their future is synonymous with the future of the country as a whole."
