The British government has announced plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for general elections — a major electoral reform aimed at engaging younger voters and modernising the democratic process.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the change reflects the reality that 16- and 17-year-olds are already contributing to society by working and paying taxes. “If you pay in, you should have a say in how your money is spent,” he said.
The Labour-led government, which has a strong parliamentary majority, is expected to pass the necessary legislation before the next general election. Once approved, the UK will join countries like Austria, Brazil, and Argentina in allowing 16-year-olds to vote in national polls.
The reform comes amid broader efforts to improve voter turnout, including plans to introduce automatic voter registration and expand the types of acceptable ID at polling stations. Critics argue the move could benefit Labour politically, but the government maintains it is about fairness and democratic inclusion.
