UK to lower voting age to 16 ahead of next general election
The UK government has proposed lowering the voting age to 16, allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the next general election for the first time in British history. Rushanara Ali MP, Minister for Homelessness and Democracy, announced the proposal, calling it a step toward modernising UK democracy. The proposal also includes expanding voter ID to accept bank cards and introducing tougher measures to protect elections from foreign interference.Currently, the voting age in the UK is 18, a standard set since the Representation of the People Act 1969, which lowered it from 21. While Scotland and Wales already allow 16-year-olds to vote in local and devolved elections, this will be the first time it applies to UK general elections.The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the change will help remove barriers to participation while strengthening democratic integrity, setting the stage for a historic expansion of the UK electorate.
The UK government has proposed lowering the voting age to 16, allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the next general election for the first time in British history.
Rushanara Ali MP, Minister for Homelessness and Democracy, announced the proposal, calling it a step toward modernising UK democracy. The proposal also includes expanding voter ID to accept bank cards and introducing tougher measures to protect elections from foreign interference.
Currently, the voting age in the UK is 18, a standard set since the Representation of the People Act 1969, which lowered it from 21. While Scotland and Wales already allow 16-year-olds to vote in local and devolved elections, this will be the first time it applies to UK general elections.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the change will help remove barriers to participation while strengthening democratic integrity, setting the stage for a historic expansion of the UK electorate.
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