Britain plans to lower voting age to 16 for all UK elections

Published 17/07/2025, 11:04
Britain plans to lower voting age to 16 for all UK elections

Investing.com -- The British government announced Thursday plans to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds for all UK elections, marking a significant change to the country’s democratic system.

The proposed changes would need parliamentary approval before taking effect. If passed, the new voting age would create consistency across the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280), matching the existing policies in Scotland and Wales, where younger voters already participate in elections for their devolved governments.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing democratic participation, stating, "We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy."

The initiative comes after the 2024 general election recorded a voter turnout of 59.7%, the lowest participation rate for a general election since 2001, according to a parliamentary report.

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