Overview
- Ministers unveiled plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for all UK elections, fulfilling Labour’s 2024 manifesto promise.
- The proposal includes a new voter ID option allowing Britons to use a British credit card alongside existing documents.
- Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner argued 16- and 17-year-olds already contribute through work, taxes and military service and deserve representation.
- A bill will be presented to Parliament to enact the changes, which are set to take effect at the next general election in 2029.
- Turnout in the 2024 general election fell to 59.7%, the lowest since 2001, prompting efforts to boost youth engagement.