UK UK Moves to Lower Voting Age to 16 in Landmark Electoral Reform

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a groundbreaking move, the British government announced plans today to lower the voting age to 16 in all UK elections. This initiative is part of a sweeping electoral reform effort that requires parliamentary approval but aims to align voting rights with Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds already vote in devolved elections.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised the importance of engaging youth in democracy, stating, "We're breaking down barriers to ensure broader participation in UK democracy." The changes come after a notably low voter turnout of 59.7% in the 2024 general election, the lowest since 2001, prompting calls for increased civic engagement.

 

Research from the House of Commons library suggests that allowing 16-year-olds to vote does not significantly alter election outcomes, though they tend to vote more actively than when first eligible at 18. Labour, facing a decline in popularity after a sweeping victory just a year ago, had previously pledged this reform as part of their campaign.

 

In addition to lowering the voting age, the proposed reforms would expand acceptable voter ID options to include UK-issued bank cards and digital formats like driving licences and Veteran Cards. To combat potential foreign interference, the government also plans stricter rules on political donations, scrutinising contributions exceeding 22,000 Thai Baht (£500).

 

The proposed reforms represent a significant shift in the UK's democratic landscape, potentially energising young voters and reshaping future electoral dynamics. The focus now turns to parliamentary discussions, which will determine if these bold changes become a reality.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-18

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

16 year olds are not mature enough, but they have a rite to vote. 

 

Old racist, selfish pensioners are worst. 

[James105]

2 Tier said that they should be able to vote as they can work and pay tax, so should have a right to say how that money is spent.  On this I tend to agree and the sooner we get to a stage where only those who work and pay tax (contribute) should have a say in how that money is spent, the sooner the country can start working its way back on the long journey to becoming a high trust first world country again.   

 

Also, this should pave the way for 16/17 year old cultural enrichers who murder innocent little kids being immediately named as if they are old enough to vote...

[DezLez]

3 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

16 year olds are not mature enough, but they have a rite to vote. 

Why/how do they have a right to vote?

They cannot join the armed forces at 16/17 without parental consent, go to war, get married, buy alcohol etc until 18yo!

[DonniePeverley]

1 minute ago, DezLez said:

Why/how do they have a right to vote?

They cannot join the armed forces at 16/17 without parental consent, go to war, get married, buy alcohol etc until 18yo!

 

There's plenty of things in America you can't do till a certain age, but still vote. Eg you can't drink alcohol till 21, but can still vote at 18.

 

 

[DezLez]

5 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

you can't drink alcohol till 21,

Not stricktly true!

When Is It Legal For Minors To Drink?

[JonnyF]

Labour pulling out all the tricks. 

 

Next, the illegals staying free in 4 star hotels will get the vote, and Labour's policy will be to allow their families to join them, flown over in business class. 

 

They should really allow kindergarten kids to vote, that's really the level of intellectual development required to vote Labour at this point. 

[The Cyclist]

The headline

 

Quote

UK Moves to Lower Voting Age to 16 in Landmark Electoral Reform

 

 

All because they are terrified, of Reform 😀😀

[quake]

Should have been done 40 years ago.

But this is just Labour  after younger lefty dumb voters 

[BKKBike09]

8 minutes ago, DezLez said:

Why/how do they have a right to vote?

They cannot join the armed forces at 16/17 without parental consent, go to war, get married, buy alcohol etc until 18yo!

 

Exactly. If anything they should raise the voting age to 21. One can't be other than cynical that this is a ploy by Labour to boost their potential voter base and thus chances of retaining power at the next election. As with the changes to Mayoral voting.

 

On the other hand, Labour's changes to employment legislation and employer NI obligations have reduced employment opportunities for many 16-18 year olds, so perhaps they won't be so keen on Labour. Although I suspect many 16-18 year olds only care about what's next on their TikTok or other social media feeds.

 

[The Cyclist]

1 minute ago, quake said:

But this is just Labour  after younger lefty dumb voters

 

I have a feeling that this is not going to have the effect, that Labour hope for.

 

I also expect to see an Islamic Party on the ballot papers for the next GE, if it goes to 2029.

 

Labour, are like my ex's breakfast offerings, burnt toast.

[quake]

3 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

I have a feeling that this is not going to have the effect, that Labour hope for.

 

I also expect to see an Islamic Party on the ballot papers for the next GE, if it goes to 2029.

 

Labour, are like my ex's breakfast offerings, burnt toast.

 

We will see.

But  I think it's a good move. very long over due.

The younger generation should have a say in there future.

Not just all us old farts.

[actonion]

They'd be better lowering the age of  full time   Military recruitment installing some discipline, &  respect into many of these out of order kids & immigrants

[phetphet]

The low turn out in recent elections is because people are sick of self serving politicians of both major parties who refuse to listen to voter's complaints.

[The Cyclist]

2 minutes ago, quake said:

The younger generation should have a say in there future.

 

One might opine, what future do the younger generation have in the UK ?
 

Because from where I am sitting, it is looking pretty bleak, and the Politicians that are courting their votes, haven't got a clue how to remedy it.

[The Cyclist]

1 minute ago, phetphet said:

The low turn out in recent elections is because people are sick of self serving politicians of both major parties who refuse to listen to voter's complaints.

 

That is about the size of it.

 

If they really wanted to reform the electoral system. They would have made voting compulsory and added a non of the above to the ballot paper.

 

Never happen, the truth would hurt them too much. Precious little creatures that they are.

[quake]

1 minute ago, The Cyclist said:

 

One might opine, what future do the younger generation have in the UK ?
 

Because from where I am sitting, it is looking pretty bleak, and the Politicians that are courting their votes, haven't got a clue how to remedy it.

 

Well never say never and all that.

But the wind of change is blowing a little.

Reform, is most likely to win next time around. 

[Patong2021]

Foolish, desperate measure that will not address the low voter turnout of young people.

[The Cyclist]

Just now, quake said:

 

Well never say never and all that.

But the wind of change is blowing a little.

Reform, is most likely to win next time around. 

 

I hear ya, although I don't necessarily agree with you.

 

Whilst Reform are more than likely to win the next GE. The MSM have not really wound up the rhetoric yet, and the lawfare has not started.

 

My main concern, although I like a lot of what reform are saying, can be put into 3 bullet points.

 

* Getting it through the HoC'

 

* Getting it through the HoL's

 

* And battling with a hostile CS, Lawfare and hostile Judiciary.

 

They would need to really box clever when putting out their election manifesto, and make sure that the electorate are in no doubt as to what they are voting for.

[Patong2021]

7 minutes ago, phetphet said:

The low turn out in recent elections is because people are sick of self serving politicians of both major parties who refuse to listen to voter's complaints.

The complaints are listened to. Unfortunately, when solutions are proposed, the complainers complain about the solutions. The UK is a  nation of chronic complainers, whingers and malcontents. For example, people complain about the number of fake refugees. When governments attempted to deport them, there were people who would protest and block the deportations. Deportation flights were blocked by busy bodies who would protest the removal of violent criminals. When the government tried to  rein in public spending on social benefits, the citizens went out in the hundreds of thousands to protest. Labor's political agenda was not a secret, but now people are upset that the party they voted in reflects the Labor party members social policies.

[quake]

2 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

I hear ya, although I don't necessarily agree with you.

 

Whilst Reform are more than likely to win the next GE. The MSM have not really wound up the rhetoric yet, and the lawfare has not started.

 

My main concern, although I like a lot of what reform are saying, can be put into 3 bullet points.

 

* Getting it through the HoC'

 

* Getting it through the HoL's

 

* And battling with a hostile CS, Lawfare and hostile Judiciary.

 

They would need to really box clever when putting out their election manifesto, and make sure that the electorate are in no doubt as to what they are voting for.

 

Well lets hope they can take it all on.

and make the changes that are needed.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

39 minutes ago, DezLez said:

Why/how do they have a right to vote?

They cannot join the armed forces at 16/17 without parental consent, go to war, get married, buy alcohol etc until 18yo!

They have right to vote when the law gives them that right.