People as young as 16 vote at the next general election in huge plan for change
Have your say! Should 16 and 17-year-olds get the right to vote? Will this improve apathy towards politics amongst young people? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
Announcing the move, Keir Starmer told ITV News: "I think it's really important that 16 and 17-year-olds have the vote, because they're old enough to go out to work, they're old enough to pay taxes... I think if you pay in you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on."
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At present, you must be 18 or over to vote in a general election for all parts of the UK, but 16 and 17 year olds can vote for local elections in Scotland and Wales, reports the Mirror.
The move was one of the Labour party's general election pledges, and forms part of a wider set of measures that they say will strengthen British democracy.
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 sixteen year olds the right to vote."
"We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future."
The expansion of voting entitlements will arrive alongside reforms including plugging gaps around overseas donations to political parties via shell companies. Harsher penalties reaching £500,000 will target those breaking the regulations.
At present, any UK firm can contribute to any party, irrespective of the money's source or ownership.
Bank cards issued in the UK and veterans' identification will also be recognised as valid ID at ballot boxes, following government claims that "far too many people are being deterred from voting" because of Voter ID requirements.
Have your say! Should 16 and 17-year-olds get the right to vote? Will this improve apathy towards politics amongst young people? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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