UK To Lower Voting Age To 16 In Landmark Democratic Reforms
LONDON, July 17 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- In a sweeping overhaul of the UK's electoral system, the government on Thursday announced plans to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all UK elections, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
In a new strategy paper, the UK government said it is part of a broader effort to modernise democracy, boost participation, and restore public trust in politics.
The change aligns the rest of the UK with Scotland and Wales, where 16-year-olds can already vote in local and devolved elections.
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The reforms are a key pledge under the government's 'plan for change.'
'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give sixteen-year-olds the right to vote,' UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement.
Under the new strategy, voter ID rules will be relaxed, with UK-issued bank cards added to the list of acceptable identification. Digital IDs such as the Veteran Card and driving licences will also be permitted when available.
A digital voter authority certificate will be introduced to improve access and cut costs.
A more automated voter registration system will simplify signups and reduce duplication across government services.
UK Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali said in a statement: 'By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust.'
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