Bill to lower voting age to 16 to be introduced in Parliament

"Legislation to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote at the next general election is beginning its journey through Parliament. The Representation of the People Bill, which also includes measures to tighten the rules around political donations and protect against foreign interference, will be introduced on Thursday. Meanwhile, the government said seven councils in England will test out using locations such as train stations or supermarkets for polling booths in May's local elections to make it easier for people to vote."

"The government said lowering the voting age would engage young people in democracy and ensure their voices are heard. However, opponents of the idea question whether 16-year-olds have enough life experience to vote. Shadow local government secretary Sir James Cleverly said: "The Conservatives are clear that people become adults at 18 and that is when citizenship rights such as voting should be gained." The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales, as well as elections to the Senedd"

Legislation would lower the voting age to 16 and 17 for UK general elections and introduces tighter rules on political donations and protections against foreign interference. Seven English councils will trial polling booths in locations such as train stations and supermarkets at May local elections to increase turnout. The government says lowering the voting age will engage young people and ensure their voices are heard, while opponents question whether 16-year-olds have sufficient life experience and insist adulthood begins at 18. Voting ages already vary across the UK, with 16 for some Scottish and Welsh elections and 18 for UK Parliament and most English and Northern Irish contests. The bill requires approval by MPs and peers and aims to be in force by the next general election.

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