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The United Kingdom will now give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections in a major overhaul of its democratic system.
The British government said the proposed changes, which are subject to parliamentary approval, would align voting rights across the UK with Scotland and Wales, where younger voters already take part in devolved elections.
“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement on Thursday.
The decision comes after turnout at the 2024 general election fell to 59.7 per cent, the lowest at a general election since 2001, according to a parliamentary report.
Research from the House of Commons library on countries that have reduced the voting age to 16 reveals that this change has not affected election results. Additionally, 16-year-olds tend to participate in voting more than those who first become eligible at 18.
An election promise
Labour, whose popularity has fallen sharply in government after its landslide victory a year ago, had previously promised it would lower the voting age if elected.
If the reforms receive final approval, the scope of acceptable voter ID would broaden to include UK-issued bank cards and digital versions of current IDs, like driving licences and Veteran Cards.
To tackle foreign interference, the government said it also planned to tighten rules on political donations, including checks on contributions from unincorporated associations and closing loopholes used by shell companies.
In an interview with ITV News, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the move for its inclusivity.
“I think it’s really important that 16 and 17-year-olds have the vote, because they are old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes.
“And I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on, which way the government should go.”
