the 16 and 17-year-olds could be allowed to vote in the next election in UK
The UK government is thinking about making a big change to the voting rules. The new idea would let 16 and 17-year-olds vote in future general elections. Some people support this idea, while others disagree. It brings up important questions about whether young people should be more involved in the country’s decisions.
Right now, only people who are 18 or older can vote in general elections in the UK. But in Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds can already vote in local elections and in elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd. These rules were changed to help young people take more interest in politics, such as by giving them a say in decisions about education, climate change policies, and youth services that directly affect their lives.
The current Labor government wants to pass a new law that would let 16 and 17-year-olds vote in all UK elections, including general elections. Government leaders say this is part of a bigger plan to make voting more modern and fair for everyone. “We are taking action to break down more barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,” said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Before this can happen, Parliament needs to agree to the change. The government hopes to make this happen before the next general election, which is legally required to take place by 2029 at the latest. However, a general election could be called earlier, depending on political circumstances, such as if the current government loses a vote of confidence or decides to seek a new mandate from the public.
If the UK lowers its voting age, it would join other countries that have already done something similar: Austria lowered its voting age to 16 in 2008. Malta followed in 2018. In South America, places like Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and Nicaragua already let 16-year-olds vote. In Asia, countries like Indonesia and East Timor allow voting at 17, while Singapore, Lebanon, and Oman have the voting age set at 21.
People who support lowering the voting age say that many 16 and 17-year-olds already take on adult responsibilities, such as paying taxes, joining the military (with parental permissions), and working and helping support their families. Supporters believe these responsibilities mean young people should also have a say in how the country is run. They also think voting younger could help young people feel the excitement of making their voices heard, encourage them to take part in real-world issues that shape their everyday lives, from the schools they attend to the air they breathe.
People who disagree with the idea say that 16 and 17 year olds may not be emotionally or mentally developed enough or may lack life experience to make well-informed decisions when voting. Some also worry that younger voters could be more easily influenced by parents, friends, or social media.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cly87q9x638o
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/17/uk/uk-voting-age-lowers-16-intl