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UK Lowers General Election Voting Age to 16

Polling shows educators divided over the plan as opposition parties warn 16-year-olds lack maturity to vote.

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Overview

  • The Elections Bill confirms the voting age will drop from 18 to 16 at the next general election, due in 2029 or earlier.
  • The reform will add about 1.5 million 16- and 17-year-olds to the electorate.
  • A mid-July Teacher Tapp survey of 9,626 teachers found 47% back the change, 38% oppose and support is strongest among younger educators.
  • Sir Keir Starmer and Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali argue that 16-year-olds already pay taxes and can serve in the military, so should have voting rights.
  • The Conservative Party and Democratic Unionist Party argue that most 16-year-olds lack the maturity to vote and suggest the move may favour centre-left parties.