UK Plans Lowering Voting Age to 16
(MENAFN) The United Kingdom is preparing to reduce the voting age to 16, which would give over 1.5 million teenagers the right to cast their ballots in the upcoming general election, scheduled for 2029.
This initiative was originally highlighted in the Labour Party’s campaign platform and is now part of a broader set of reforms introduced in the recently announced Elections Bill.
As stated in the government's official plan, “By engaging voters early, when they are young, and allowing them to have a say in shaping their future, we will build the foundations for their lifelong participation in our electoral processes.”
The strategy maintains that these changes aim to “restore trust” in the electoral system.
The policy document emphasizes that since 16-year-olds are allowed to work and contribute taxes, it is “right and fair that they should be able to vote.”
Under the proposal, young people will be able to register from the age of 14, ensuring they are included on the electoral register once they are eligible.
The bill also proposes easier identity verification for individuals without a National Insurance number and includes specific provisions to help children in care join the register.
However, the minimum age to run as a candidate will stay at 18.
According to a news agency, these reforms are designed to increase civic engagement and create a more inclusive democratic process.
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