The Government moved this week to lower the voting age by two years to 16 at all UK elections- a major change to the UK’s democratic system. The move will align voting rights across Britain where 16 year olds can already vote in elections to devolved Parliaments in Scotland and Wales.
Across the world, most countries have a voting age of 18 but last year European Union members were given the option to allow residents to vote from the age of 16 in the European Parliament elections.
The proposed changes were said to be designed to boost participation and trust in the electoral system following a low national turnout at the General Election of 2024. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “16 and 17year olds are old enough to go out to work and pay taxes so should have the opportunity to say what they want their money spent on” and his Deputy Angela Rayner added “Let’s get democracy back on track”.
A poll conducted by ITV has shown 16 and 17 year olds were 33% likely to vote Labour, 20% Reform, 18% Green, 12% Lib Dem and 10% Conservative. Whatever the percentages, younger votes are considered to be traditionally more left leaning, liberal and progressive.
The commitment to lower the voting age to 16 was in fact part of the Labour party manifesto in 2024, however since Labour came to power we have witnessed the popularity of Starmer and his Government fall into second place behind Reform UK. Undoubtedly Reform leader Nigel Farage has quite a social media appeal. Confusion amongst politicians about what 16 years olds can and can’t do isn’t helping.
Reactions amongst 16 and 17 years olds are mixed with some welcoming the opportunity to have a say, some stating that they do not feel ready or equipped and others that the whole process will backfire in a haze of misinformation.
Whatever the view, it is clear that it will take some time for the proposal to become law but it is certain we will see 16 year olds voting in the next General Election – 11 year olds in the election last year. In the meantime, political parties would be much better focussing on how to engage young people in democracy through education, and formulate and champion policies particular in the true north so that young people feel they can settle here and are equipped to find meaningful work, opportunities for growth and development, financial stability, a decent standard of living and work life balance and a home.
