UK plans on permitting kids to vote
(MENAFN) The UK government plans to reduce the voting age to 16, allowing over 1.5 million teenagers to vote in the next general election, expected in 2029. This initiative, initially proposed in Labour’s election manifesto, is part of a broader Elections Bill introduced on Thursday aimed at increasing voter turnout.
The official strategy emphasizes that engaging young voters early will help build lifelong participation and restore trust in the electoral system. The document argues that since 16-year-olds can work and pay taxes, they should also have the right to vote.
Registration will open at age 14, ensuring young people are added to the electoral roll as soon as they become eligible. The bill also simplifies identity verification for those without a National Insurance number and introduces provisions to help children in care register to vote. The minimum age to stand for election will remain 18.
Critics argue the change may advantage Labour, as younger voters tend to favor left-leaning parties. A YouGov poll indicates Labour leads among 18- to 24-year-olds with 28%, followed by the Greens at 26% and the Liberal Democrats at 20%. Some opposition politicians question the inconsistency of allowing 16-year-olds to vote while restricting them from activities like buying alcohol, marrying, or standing for election.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner denied claims of political bias, insisting the reform is about giving young people a voice in democracy, not manipulating votes.
Voter turnout in the 2024 election was 59.7%, the lowest in over 20 years. Lowering the voting age to 16 would be the most significant change since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
