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3w ago

UK Parliament Advances Voting Age Bill to 16, Prompting Labour Rule Row and Youth Campaign Push

A survey of more than 9,000 teachers finds those over 50 are more likely to oppose lowering the voting age to 16.

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Overview

  • The draft Elections Bill, set to enfranchise over 1.5 million 16- and 17-year-olds at the next general election, has moved through parliament with measures on automatic registration, voter ID and tougher donation rules and now awaits final approval.
  • Teacher Tapp polling of 9,626 educators shows 47% support votes at 16 but reveals a clear generational split with teachers aged 50 and above more likely to oppose the change.
  • Labour’s national executive has raised its internal minimum age to 18 for constituency chairs, treasurers and secretaries, drawing accusations of hypocrisy over the party’s stance on youth maturity.
  • Campaign strategists warn that engaging the newly enfranchised cohort will require culture-driven digital messaging and creative outreach tailored to 16- and 17-year-olds.
  • Australian lawmakers, including MP Monique Ryan, are invoking the UK reform as momentum builds for a fresh bid to lower the voting age in Australia.