Overview

• The government will lower the voting age to 16 for the next general election, enfranchising about 1.6 million 16- and 17-year-olds.
• Reforms include expanded voter ID options, a digital Voter Authority Certificate and automated voter registration to streamline participation.
• Early polling indicates Labour leads among new teenage electors with 33% support, followed by Reform UK at 20%, while the SNP eyes gains in Scotland.
• Youth charities warn that parties must engage teens on issues like the economy, housing and immigration rather than assume fixed partisan loyalties.
• MPs on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee call for tailored ID strategies and enhanced civic education to boost youth registration and turnout.