The UK government has announced plans to lower the national voting age from 18 to 16, delivering on a key election promise aimed at strengthening youth participation in democracy.
The policy was confirmed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.”
Rayner added that the government was “delivering on our promise to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote”, under the trending hashtag #VotesAt16.
The move, which follows growing youth activism and public debate around democratic inclusion, will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in future general elections, aligning the UK with countries like Scotland, Austria, Brazil, and Norway, where similar reforms are already in place.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about political maturity and informed decision-making at that age.
The change is expected to spark renewed political engagement among the youth, with schools, civic groups, and parties gearing up to educate and mobilise new voters ahead of the next election cycle.
