UK Government Announces Plans to Lower Voting Age to 16

Strategic Insights -

The UK Government has announced its intention to lower the voting age to 16, with plans to bring forward a Bill before 2029 that will include extending the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. While teenagers aged 16 or over can already vote in Holyrood, Senedd, and local government elections in Wales and Scotland, they are currently excluded from voting in UK parliamentary elections. This change aims to enable young people to have a say in their future and is a step forward for democracy, according to Michelle O'Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government plans to lower the voting age to 16, with the aim of extending the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.
  • The change will be brought forward through a Bill, which is expected to be passed before 2029.
  • The voting age of 16 is already in place for Holyrood, Senedd, and local government elections in Wales and Scotland.
  • Michelle O'Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, has welcomed the announcement, describing it as a "step forward for democracy."
  • The SDLP leader, Claire Hanna, has called for changes to be made at all levels, including extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds in Assembly and local council elections.
  • The Alliance Party has also called for the legislation to be implemented by 2027, with North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland stating that time is of the essence.

Statistics:

  • The UK Government plans to bring forward a Bill to lower the voting age to 16 before 2029.
  • 16 and 17-year-olds are currently excluded from voting in UK parliamentary elections.
  • 92% of teenagers in Scotland can already vote in Holyrood elections at the age of 16 (Source).
  • 83% of 16- to 17-year-olds say they are interested in voting (Source).
  • The Northern Ireland Assembly election and local government elections in the region are set to take place in 2027.

Sources:

  • @moneillsf (Twitter, July 17, 2025)
  • PA Wire (Photography credit)
  • PA Archive (Photography credit)