The UK government plans to lower the voting age to 16 in time for the next general election, Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali announced. The move, described as a “seismic” shift, aims to amplify young voices in national decisions.
The UK government plans to lower the voting age to 16 in time for the next general election, Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali announced. The move, described as a “seismic” shift, aims to amplify young voices in national decisions. “At 16, a young person can work, they pay taxes, they can join the Army. So there’s no reason why from that age, they shouldn’t have a say in who governs our country,” Ali told the BBC.
The reform will be included in a new Elections Bill, alongside expanded voter ID options—such as UK-issued bank cards—automatic voter registration, and stricter rules on political donations to curb foreign influence. These changes follow Labour’s manifesto pledges and build on existing regional voting rights in Scotland and Wales for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Ali emphasized that including younger voters would ensure their concerns, from housing to education, are taken seriously in shaping government policy.