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UK Government to Lower Voting Age to 16

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK Government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16, allowing citizens of this age group to participate in general elections. This decision follows Scotland's lead in allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Scottish Parliament and council elections. The move is part of the Government's strategy to break down barriers to participation and ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government plans to lower the voting age to 16, allowing citizens of this age group to participate in general elections.
  • The decision follows Scotland's lead in allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Scottish Parliament and council elections, which was introduced in 2014.
  • First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the plans, stating that it is "long overdue" and that it has made Scotland's democracy stronger.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has confirmed that Labour will fulfill its manifesto pledge to reduce the voting age.
  • Labour MP Gregor Poynton has stated that it is "absolutely right" that 16 and 17-year-olds will now have a voice in UK elections.
  • Conservative shadow housing, communities and local government minister Paul Holmes has questioned the Government's position, stating that 16-year-olds will be able to vote but not stand in elections or buy lottery tickets.
  • The Government plans to introduce a bill before 2029 to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds and create a system of automated voter registration.
  • Ministers have also vowed to close "loopholes" allowing foreign donors to give political parties money through UK-based companies.

Statistics:

  • 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in general elections in the UK.
  • The Scottish independence referendum in 2014 allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.
  • 55% or more of Scottish 16 and 17-year-olds voted in the first Holyrood election in which they were eligible to do so (2011).
  • The number of 16 and 17-year-olds on the electoral register in Scotland increased from 107,589 to 167,146 between 2011 and 2016.
  • The UK Government's strategy aims to ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy.

Sources:

  • The National (Scotland), 16 and 17 year olds to vote in UK elections from 18 year olds (2023)
  • ITV News, Voting age to be lowered to 16 in UK (2023)
  • BBC News, Scotland votes: How the outcome compares with general election (2015)
  • Scottish Parliament, Young voters in the Scottish independence referendum (2014)

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