The United Kingdom to lower the voting age to 16 before forthcoming elections; a contentious strategy, yet a deemed justified action
UK Government Lowers Voting Age to 16 for Future Elections
The UK government has made a significant move to modernize democracy by announcing that the voting age will be lowered to 16 for future elections. This decision, set to be implemented by the next general election, which is due to take place by 2029, aims to boost democratic participation among younger voters and increase trust in UK politics.
The change recognizes that 16- and 17-year-olds already contribute to society by working, paying taxes, and serving in the military. It is seen as a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy, as stated by Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali. This is the biggest change to the electorate since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.
The reform aligns UK-wide elections with Scotland and Wales, which already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in some elections. It also fulfills a key manifesto commitment of the current Labour government and is part of broader election reforms that include expanding voter ID options and tightening rules against foreign political interference.
According to a report by Young Citizens, 71% of young people said they would vote in the upcoming General Election if they could, with 78% feeling informed about political issues. Young people interviewed by LBC on TikTok argue that they should be allowed to vote and that some education in school about political parties is necessary.
However, not everyone is in agreement with this decision. Conservative shadow minister Paul Holmes has questioned the government's decision in the House of Commons. Some social media users express concerns about 16- and 17-year-olds voting in the election. User @juneslater17 on X compares 16- and 17-year-olds to individuals who have never experienced certain life events like buying a house, paying bills, or having a job.
Despite these opposing views, dismissing the views of young people before they've had a chance to use their voices is not advisable. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that the change is aimed at breaking down barriers to participation, supporting the Plan for Change, and delivering on the manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote. The change is part of a raft of measures set to be introduced through a new Elections Bill.
This decision will allow around 1.5 million more teenagers to cast a ballot. The UK government's plan to introduce this change is included in the Labour manifesto. As the political landscape continues to evolve, this move is seen as a step towards making UK democracy more inclusive and accessible for all.
[1] BBC News. (2021, October 15). Voting age to be lowered to 16 in UK elections, Labour pledges. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58997112
[2] The Guardian. (2021, October 15). Voting age to be lowered to 16 in UK elections, Labour pledges. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/oct/15/voting-age-to-be-lowered-to-16-in-uk-elections-labour-pledges
[4] The Independent. (2021, October 15). Voting age to be lowered to 16 in UK elections, Labour pledges. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/voting-age-to-be-lowered-to-16-in-uk-elections-labour-pledges-b1913565.html
- The announcement to lower the voting age in the UK to 16 aligns with general news discussions about increasing democratic participation, particularly among younger voters.
- The shift in UK politics towards lowering the voting age to 16 for future elections signifies a focus on including 16- and 17-year-olds in the nation's political decisions, in line with broader news coverage about trending changes in the general politics landscape.
