The sweeping electoral reform would benefit the ruling Labour Party, according to critics
The British government is set to lower the voting age to 16, granting more than 1.5 million teenagers the right to cast a ballot in the next general election, due in 2029.
The pledge to boost turnout, first made in Labour’s election manifesto, is part of a raft of measures in the new Elections Bill unveiled on Thursday.
“By engaging voters early, when they are young, and allowing them to have a say in shaping their future, we will build the foundations for their lifelong participation in our electoral processes,” the official strategy stated, claiming the changes will “restore trust” in the system.
The document argued that if 16-year-olds can work and pay taxes, it is “right and fair that they should be able to vote.”
Registration will be possible from age 14, so young people are added to the electoral roll as soon as they become eligible. The bill also includes simplified identity checks for those without a National Insurance number, and measures for children in care to register. The minimum age to stand as a candidate will remain 18.
Critics claim the change could benefit Labour, as younger voters are more likely to support left-leaning parties. A YouGov poll shows Labour leading among 18 to 24-year-olds at 28%, with the Greens at 26% and the Liberal Democrats at 20%.
Opposition MPs also questioned the consistency of the policy. “Why does this government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, go to war, or even stand in the elections they’re voting in?” Conservative shadow minister Paul Holmes argued.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner rejected suggestions of political advantage, saying the reform is not about “trying to rig votes for a particular party,” but about giving young people a voice in democracy.
Voter turnout in the 2024 general election was 59.7%, the lowest in over two decades. Lowering the voting age to 16 would mark the biggest change since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.
