UK Plans To Lower Voting Age To 16 In Major Electoral Reform | World News

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 16:55 IST

UK will lower the voting age to 16, granting 1.5 million young people voting rights in England and Northern Ireland, fulfilling a Labour Party pledge.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Image: Reuters)

The UK government announced that the voting age will be lowered to 16 ahead of the next general election- marking one of the most significant democratic reforms in recent decades. The change will extend voting rights to approximately 1.5 million 16- and 17-year-olds across England and Northern Ireland, bringing them in line with their counterparts in Scotland and Wales.

Describing the measure as a step towards greater fairness, the government said many young people in this age group are already working, paying taxes and eligible to join the military. The decision fulfils a longstanding Labour Party manifesto commitment and forms part of a broader electoral reform package aimed at increasing voter participation, enhancing transparency and strengthening democratic safeguards.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline. We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.”

Expanded Voter ID, Foreign Donation Reforms

The reform package also includes changes to the voter ID system and new rules to curb foreign interference in elections such as closure of loopholes that have allowed shell companies and foreign entities to funnel money into UK politics. Political parties will now be required to carry out due diligence on companies making donations, with new tests ensuring that such companies have genuine ties to the UK or Ireland and are generating local revenue.

False or misleading declarations related to political donations will be treated as criminal offences. The maximum fine for breaches of the rules will be increased to £500,000. The new “know your donor” framework will be overseen by the Electoral Commission, which will issue guidance to help political parties assess the legitimacy of contributions.

Tackling Intimidation In Politics

In response to growing concerns about harassment and threats faced by political candidates and campaign staff, the UK government also plans to strengthen laws against intimidation. Candidates will no longer be required to publish their home addresses on campaign materials and courts will treat harassment of electoral staff or candidates as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Those found guilty of abusing or intimidating candidates may also be barred from standing for office in the future.

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