UK Lowers Voting Age to 16 Ahead of Next General Election

UK Lowers Voting Age to 16 Ahead of Next General Election
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The UK government will lower the voting age to 16 before the next general election, marking the most significant electoral reform since 1969, The Guardian reported. The change aligns the national voting age with those already implemented in Scotland and Wales for devolved and local elections.

The decision, fulfilling a Labour manifesto pledge, has raised concerns among some MPs who believe it could influence support for smaller parties like the Greens or Reform UK. While Labour says the move reflects fairness for tax-paying teenagers, critics, including Reform leader Nigel Farage, argue it could open the door to political bias in schools.

The public remains divided, with polling by More in Common showing 48% oppose the move and only 27% in support. Despite making up a small share of the electorate, experts note younger voters could still influence local contests. Additional reforms include expanding accepted voter ID, strengthening protections against foreign interference, and tightening rules around campaign donations.

Political parties will face new requirements to verify donors and their financial ties to the UK or Ireland. Stronger penalties, including fines and bans on candidacy for those who engage in abuse or intimidation, will also be introduced under the new legislative package.