The Government has announced plans to allow 16-and 17-year-olds the right to vote in both local and general elections.
The reforms will be applicable across the country, ensuring that the voting age is lowered from 18 before the next general election in 2029.
In an announcement on Thursday, the Government confirmed the changes are intended to ‘restore public trust’ in the political system and encourage democratic participation.
As part of the reforms, the Government has also pledged to allow the use of UK-issued bank cards as a valid form of Voter ID, as well as implementing stricter regulations around donations to ‘guard against foreign political interference’.
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: ‘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.’
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