Can vote but can't buy lottery tickets: Controversy over proposal to lower voting age in UK
The UK government is set to lower the voting age to 16, giving more than 1.5 million young people the right to vote in the next general election, due in 2029.
The pledge to boost voter participation, first made in the Labour Party's election manifesto, is part of a raft of measures in the new Elections Bill published on 17 July.
“By engaging voters early, while they are young, and giving them a voice in shaping their future, we will build the foundation for their lifelong participation in our electoral processes,” the official strategy states.
The document claims the changes will "restore confidence" in the system.
The document also argues that if 16-year-olds can work and pay taxes, it is "right and fair that they should be able to vote".
Registration will be available from the age of 14, so that young people can be added to the electoral roll as soon as they are eligible. The bill also includes simplified identity checks for those without a National Insurance number, and measures to enable children in state care to register. The minimum age to stand for election remains 18.
According to RT, critics say this change could benefit the Labour Party, as younger voters are more likely to support parties with a more left-leaning orientation.
A YouGov poll shows Labour is leading among 18-24 year olds with 28%, followed by the Greens on 26% and the Liberal Democrats on 20%.
Opposition MPs also questioned the consistency of the policy. The Conservative shadow home secretary, Paul Holmes, argued: "Why does this government think that a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy lottery tickets, drink alcohol, get married, go to war, or even stand for election in the elections they are voting in?"
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has dismissed suggestions there is any political advantage, saying the reform is not about "trying to rig votes for a particular party", but about giving young people a voice in democracy.
Turnout in the UK general election in 2024 was 59.7%, the lowest in more than two decades. Lowering the voting age to 16 would mark the biggest change since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.
