The UK government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 in general elections, following a campaign promise by the ruling Labour Party. If passed, the reform will give Britain one of the lowest voting ages globally.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the move, saying, “If you’re old enough to work and pay taxes, you’re old enough to vote.”
Legislation will soon be brought before Parliament, where Labour holds a majority. The change aligns with existing rules in Scotland and Wales and could add up to 9.5 million voters, according to experts.
Other proposed reforms include automated voter registration and allowing UK bank cards as valid voter ID.
