LONDON (BBC) — Sixteen- and 17-year-olds in the UK would be able to vote in the next general election under government plans to lower the voting age as part of a new Elections Bill.
The bill also includes expanded forms of voter ID—such as UK-issued bank cards—steps toward automatic voter registration, and tighter rules on political donations aimed at curbing foreign influence.
Voting rights for 16-year-olds already exist in local and parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales. However, the voting age remains 18 for UK parliamentary elections and all elections in England and Northern Ireland.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the proposal would broaden democratic participation. “I was a mum at 16. You can go to work, you can pay your taxes, and I think people should have a vote at 16,” she told the BBC.
The government said the changes could take effect before the next general election, due by 2029 but which could be called earlier.
Critics, including Conservative shadow minister Paul Holmes, questioned the logic. “Why does this government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war?” he said.
Analysts note the change would likely have minimal impact on national vote share, as 16- and 17-year-olds account for about 3% of the voting-age population and typically have low turnout.
Rayner dismissed accusations that the measure favors Labour, calling it “about democracy and giving young people an opportunity to have a say.”
The bill also proposes allowing bank cards as valid voter ID—an expansion of rules introduced in 2023. Labour opposed the original ID laws but has since called only for changes to prevent legitimate voters being turned away.
An estimated 8 million eligible voters are currently missing or inaccurately registered, with private renters and young people most affected, according to the Electoral Commission. The government said it would test systems to share data between agencies to automate voter registration.
In addition, new rules would require political parties to verify donations from companies, ensuring they earn sufficient income in the UK or Ireland. The changes aim to close loopholes that allow foreign-linked entities to contribute to UK parties.
The National Union of Students welcomed the voting age change as “a major victory” and urged further reforms to support youth participation.
The Liberal Democrats also supported the move but called on ministers to do more to prevent foreign influence in UK politics.
BBC