UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark democratic reforms

LONDON

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.

In a new strategy paper, the UK government said it is part of a broader effort to modernize 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.

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 licenses 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.”

Efforts to protect UK democracy from foreign interference are also central to the reforms. New rules will close loopholes that previously allowed political donations through shell companies.

Political parties will be required to carry out “know your donor” checks on donations over £500 ($670).

The electoral commission will be empowered to issue fines of up to £500,000 for breaches of political finance laws.

These reforms come amid growing concerns over digital political finance.

In May, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced at a cryptocurrency conference in Las Vegas that his party would begin accepting donations in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.