Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all UK elections by the next general election, fulfilling a Labour manifesto promise. The move would enfranchise over a million 16- and 17-year-olds for the first time since the voting age was last reduced half a century ago.
The government argues that encouraging young people to vote while still in education will help establish lifelong voting habits. It also cites fairness, as many young people work, pay taxes, or serve in the military. The change would bring England and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds already vote in devolved and local elections.
However, the impact remains uncertain. A poll of 500 16- and 17-year-olds found Labour leading with 33% support, followed by Reform UK at 20% and the Conservatives at 10%. Yet half of respondents felt they should not yet be allowed to vote, and only 18% said they would definitely vote if an election were held tomorrow. Additionally, only half had a positive view of democracy, and over a fifth viewed a military strongman favourably.
Evidence from Scotland and Wales is mixed. In Scotland, turnout among 16- and 17-year-olds was high during the independence referendum, but subsequent voting rates have not differed significantly from those who could not vote until 18. In Wales, most 16- and 17-year-olds did not vote in the 2021 election, and barely half even registered.
Supporters argue that democracy is in crisis and that lowering the voting age, alongside automatic voter registration, could bring up to 9.5 million new voters into the process. Critics, including the Conservatives, question the inconsistency of allowing 16-year-olds to vote but not to stand as candidates, buy lottery tickets, consume alcohol, marry, or serve in combat roles.
