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UK Government Proposes Extending Voting Rights to 16-Year-Olds

The government says these reforms will modernize the electoral system by enfranchising younger voters to help reverse record-low turnout.

Le gouvernement britannique a annoncé jeudi qu'il allait abaisser l'âge du droit de vote de 18 à 16 ans pour toutes les élections au Royaume-Uni
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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.