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Local government

Government Announces Plans to Modernize Democracy, Include 16-Year-Olds in Voting Rights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Plans to include 16-year-olds in the voting rights have been announced by the government, with a focus on modernizing democracy and increasing participation in elections. The move, part of the Government's efforts to 'modernise our democracy', aims to make voting more accessible and inclusive. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government plans to lower the voting age to 16, aligning with Scottish and Welsh elections, and allow 16-year-olds to vote for the first time in the next general election.
  • Automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, will be introduced to increase participation in elections.
  • UK-issued bank cards will be accepted as a form of ID at polling stations.
  • The Electoral Commission found that around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID.
  • The government intends to allow digital forms of ID to be used when they become available.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the plans will break down barriers to participation and ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy.
  • Labour's manifesto committed to lowering the voting age to 16.
  • A poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds found that only half thought they should be allowed to vote, and only 18% would definitely vote.
  • Labour stood to gain the most among the 16 and 17-year-old demographic, with 33% saying they would back the party.
  • Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes accused the government of being 'hopelessly confused' about the age of majority.

Statistics:

  • 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID (Electoral Commission)
  • Around 50% of 16 and 17-year-olds thought they should be allowed to vote (poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds)
  • Only 18% of 16 and 17-year-olds would definitely vote (poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds)
  • 33% of 16 and 17-year-olds would back Labour (poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds)

Sources:

  • 'Government announces plans to modernise democracy' [ No specific date mentioned in the original article - I did not add a date]
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
  • Electoral Commission
  • ITV News
  • Merlin Strategy
  • Labour's manifesto (2019-2024)
  • Commons debate (no specific date mentioned)

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