UK Plans Lower Voting Age to 16 by Next Election

The UK government plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections across the UK by the next general election, extending the right to vote to around 1.5 million 16- and 17-year-olds. This change aims to align voting rights nationwide with existing practices in Scotland and Wales and is part of a broader Elections Bill that includes expanding acceptable voter ID to UK-issued bank and veterans' cards, moving towards automatic voter registration, and tightening political donation rules to prevent foreign interference. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized that the reforms seek to break down barriers to participation and restore public trust in democracy. However, a poll for ITV News revealed that nearly half of 16- and 17-year-olds themselves oppose lowering the voting age, citing concerns about maturity and political awareness. The government argues that since 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and join the military, they should have a say in governance, and evidence from other countries suggests that lowering the voting age does not alter election outcomes but can increase youth turnout. The reforms fulfill Labour's manifesto promise and represent the most significant change to the UK electorate since the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.