In a historic shift in electoral policy, the UK government has confirmed that 16 and 17-year-olds will be eligible to vote in the next general election marking the most significant expansion of voting rights since 1969, when the minimum voting age was lowered from 21 to 18.
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The decision, which will enfranchise approximately 1.5 million young people, was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali on Wednesday. The change will be introduced through a new Elections Bill aimed at modernising the electoral system and promoting inclusive democracy.
Speaking to ITV News, Starmer said: “I think it’s really important that 16 and 17-year-olds have the vote, because they are old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes so pay in. And I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on, which way the government should go.”
Currently, 16-year-olds are permitted to vote in local elections in Scotland and Wales, but general elections have remained restricted to those aged 18 and above. The new legislation brings consistency across the UK and aligns with broader efforts to strengthen civic engagement among young people.
Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali described the reform as “seismic,” adding, “At 16, a young person can work, they pay taxes, they can join the Army. So there’s no reason why from that age, they shouldn’t have a say in who governs our country.”
The Elections Bill will also introduce several other measures, including:
- Allowing UK-issued bank cards to be used as valid voter identification,
- Automatic voter registration,
- Stronger safeguards against foreign donations and electoral interference.
However, the announcement drew criticism from some quarters of the opposition. Conservative MP Paul Holmes questioned the timing of the policy rollout, noting that Parliament will not be able to scrutinise the bill until after the summer recess.
“There will be no opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny until September,” Holmes said, also expressing concern that the announcement was made outside the House of Commons.
Ali defended the government’s approach, saying the Labour Party had clearly pledged the policy in its general election manifesto. “The truth is, young people deserve to have a stake,” she said.
The next UK general election is due by 2029, though it could be called earlier.
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