The British Government plans to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections, marking a significant shift in the country’s electoral system.
The move aimed to modernise democracy and boost voter turnout, aligning with existing voting ages in Scotland and Wales.
The UK government will introduce legislation to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, allowing approximately 1.6 million 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in general elections.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued that 16-year-olds were old enough to work and pay taxes, and therefore should have a say in how their money iwas spent and the direction of the government.
Only a handful of countries allow 16-year-olds to vote in national elections, including Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Cuba.
Austria was the first EU country to lower its voting age to 16 in 2007.
The government planned to introduce automated voter registration, similar to systems in Australia and Canada, and accept UK-issued bank cards as valid photo ID at polling stations.
According to Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, the changes could add 9.5 million people to the voter rolls and help address the current democratic crisis.
Lowering the voting age and introducing automated voter registration may encourage more young people to participate in the democratic process.
Allowing 16-year-olds to vote while still in education can help instill strong democratic habits and engagement.
The reforms aimed to strengthen public trust in democracy and address concerns over low voter turnout.
