The UK government has unveiled plans to lower the voting age to 16 for general elections, marking a significant shift in the country's electoral landscape.
This change, part of a broader Elections Bill, aims to align the voting age across all UK elections, as 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote in local and devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.
The Labour government, which made this a key campaign promise, says the reform will modernize democracy and enhance participation among younger citizens.
Alongside the voting age reduction, the Elections Bill introduces measures to simplify voter registration and expand acceptable forms of voter ID.
Automatic voter registration is set to be implemented, streamlining the process of getting on the electoral roll.
UK-issued bank cards will also become valid identification at polling stations, addressing concerns raised by the Electoral Commission about 750,000 people being unable to vote in the 2024 election due to strict ID requirements.
The government hopes these changes will reverse the declining voter turnout, which hit a low of 59.7 percent in 2024.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters arguing it empowers young people who contribute to society through work and taxes.
Critics, including the Conservative Party, question the consistency of allowing 16-year-olds to vote while other age-based restrictions, such as buying alcohol or standing for election, remain higher.
Globally, the UK would join a small group of nations, including Austria and Brazil, that allow 16-year-olds to vote in national elections.
The government, holding a strong parliamentary majority, is expected to pass the legislation, though it must still navigate debates in Parliament.