The British government has announced that it will allow 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote, marking a monumental shift in democracy in the United Kingdom. This decision has been heralded by officials as the largest expansion of voting rights in decades, with the voting age last decreased from 21 to 18 over fifty years ago. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner noted that revitalizing faith in democracy and government institutions is vital, and the current adjustments aim to renew public trust.
Countries such as Austria, Malta, and Brazil already grant voting rights to 16-year-olds, while Greece has a voting age of 17. In the U.K., local elections in Scotland and Wales previously permitted voting at 16, making this nationwide change a substantial step forward.
Despite being seen by many as overdue, the move has been largely supported by the center-left Labour Party, who included it in their election manifesto. The plan’s implementation, however, still requires passing through both Houses of Parliament, suggesting that while the change is likely, its official adoption may take time. With the Labour Party holding a strong majority in the House of Commons and the next general election expected in 2029, this initiative could soon bring young citizens into the electoral fold.
