The United Kingdom is set to become one of the first European nations to lower the national voting age to 16, under a proposal introduced by the government on Thursday. If passed by
Parliament, the change would align national elections with those in Scotland, Wales, and the Channel Islands, where 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote.
“This reform is about giving young people a real say in shaping their future,” said Rushanara Ali, parliamentary under-secretary for local government, in the House of Commons. “We pledged to strengthen our democracy and this is a major step forward.”
The proposal could take effect in time for the next general election and follows a broader global trend toward enfranchising younger citizens. Austria was the first European country to lower the voting age to 16 in 2008, followed by Malta. Similar policies exist in several South American countries, including Brazil and Argentina. However, 18 remains the standard voting age in most of the world, with some countries setting it even higher.
Supporters of the reform say it will help foster lifelong civic engagement. Darren Hughes, CEO of the Electoral Reform Society, told CNN that allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote would encourage participation while they’re still in school and receiving civic education. “Voting is habit-forming,” Hughes said. “More participation means a healthier democracy.”
Critics, however, argue the move is politically motivated. James Yucel from the center-right think tank Onward called the plan “political engineering” designed to benefit Labour, noting that younger voters typically lean left in both polls and elections.
Conservative MP Paul Holmes also voiced concerns in Parliament, questioning why 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote when they are still barred from activities such as buying alcohol, marrying without consent, or joining the military. “They can vote, but not even stand in the elections they’re participating in,” he said.
In addition to lowering the voting age, the proposed legislation would broaden the types of acceptable voter ID, allowing digital formats of existing documents like driving licenses and veterans’ cards. UK-issued bank cards would also be accepted as valid identification. Photo by secretlondon123, Wikimedia commons.