UK to Let 16 and 17-Year-Olds Vote in General Elections
The British government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced plans to lower the national voting age to 16. If passed, the legislation will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections and referendums for the first time.
This age group already participates in local elections in Scotland and Wales. Starmer called the move a step toward fairness and civic responsibility, emphasizing that if young people can work and pay taxes, they should also have a say in government.
The proposal, backed by Labour’s large parliamentary majority and aligned with the party’s 2024 manifesto, is expected to pass easily.
It comes at a time when Labour’s popularity has declined due to policy reversals and economic stagnation, with Reform UK recently overtaking them in some polls.
Still, the move could work in Labour’s favor an ITV News poll showed that 33% of 16- and 17-year-olds support Labour, while only 10% back the Conservatives.
In addition to lowering the voting age, the government plans to modernize the electoral system by:
- Expanding accepted forms of voter ID (e.g., bank cards, digital IDs),
- Automating the voter registration process,
- And tightening rules on political donations to reduce foreign influence.
Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali emphasized that these changes will help protect democratic institutions for future generations.
If passed, the new rules will apply starting from the next general election in 2029.
