The British government has announced plans to lower its voting age from 18 to 16, as part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s democracy. The move aims to boost participation and give more young people a say in the electoral process.
Under the new rules, 16- and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote starting with the next general election, set for August 2029. This change will apply to all U.K. elections and will permit around 1.6 million teenagers to participate.
The move is seen as a significant shift in the country’s approach to voting rights, joining a small but growing list of countries that have lowered their voting age to 16 or 17. Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Greece, and Indonesia are among those nations that have made similar changes.
While the U.S. has not yet followed suit, there are some states and cities that allow younger voters to cast ballots in certain elections. For example, a dozen U.S. cities permit 16-year-olds to vote in local elections or school board elections. Additionally, about 90% of countries worldwide have set their voting age at 18 or higher.
Experts say that lowering the voting age can increase participation and give young people a greater say in politics. Alberto Medina, communications team lead at the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, notes that “the younger you start, the more likely you are to continue doing it throughout your life.” He also points out that studies have shown that when young people get involved in the voting process early, they are more likely to participate in elections.
While there is some data suggesting that lowering the voting age can increase turnout, there is still significant opposition to making this change at a national level. Public opinion polling has shown that many Americans oppose lowering the voting age for 16- and 17-year-olds.
However, advocates argue that young people should have a greater say in the issues that affect their daily lives. By allowing them to vote in local elections or school board elections, cities can give teenagers a voice in decisions that impact their community. The issue remains a contentious one, with experts and politicians weighing in on both sides of the debate.
As the U.K. takes a step towards modernizing its voting rights, the question remains whether other countries, including the U.S., will follow suit.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/17/nx-s1-5471304/uk-lowers-voting-age-16