UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform

The British government announced on Thursday that it was going to grant 16 and 17-year-old voting rights in every single election in the UK in a massive transformation of the democratic process in the country.

The government indicated that the proposed changes which are still pending parliament approvals will be in step with Scotland and Wales in the UK where younger voters already take part in devolved elections.

Also Read: IndiGo Delhi-lmphal Flight Scare: Emergency Landing at IGl

“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement.

In a parliamentary report, the turnout at the 2024 general election was 59.7% the lowest to have ever been recorded at a general election dating back to 2001.

As mentioned by the House of Commons library, there is no influence of lowering the voting age to 16 reported in the studies conducted in countries which have done the same; in addition, the 16 year olds could vote at a higher rate than those who had to wait till the age of 18 to vote.

Also Read: Nimisha Priya's Execution Postponed After Grand Mufti's Intervention; Yemen Family Breaks Silence

Labour which has lost its popularity drastically in government since being renewed with a landslide a year back had promised of reducing the voting age in case of win.

Such reforms would also increase the list of acceptable voter IDs to: UK-issued bank cards and the digital version of IDs, including driving licences and Veteran Cards.

Government has reported that it will also crack down on donations to political parties, including controls on donations of more than 500 pounds ($670) by unincorporated associations, and sealing loopholes that allow shell companies to give donations.

Also Read: Air Raid Sirens Sound Across Taiwan as Military and Civilian Defense Drills Escalate