In 2024 the Labour Party announced that votes for 16-17 year olds would be one of its pledges in their election manifesto. Following their election victory the Starmer government formally announced its proposals for electoral reform with the policy incorporated into the Representation of the People Bill in early 2026. As of late 2026, the Bill has passed its stages in the House of Commons and is currently progressing through the House of Lords.
The proposed changes would reduce the voting age from 18 to 16. This would be one of the biggest changes to the UK’s franchise since the reduction in voting age from 21 to 18 in 1969. This reform is thought to potentially add around 1.7 million eligible voters, with supporters arguing this will help boost trust and participation in the electoral system within the newer generations, as well as improve democratic representation by allowing younger people to influence decisions affecting their lives.
The announcement received widespread coverage across mainstream media with reports arguing both in favour of the policy and highlighting objections raised. Supportive coverage emphasised democratic inclusion despite criticisms about political maturity, and it attracted opposition from other parties such as conservatives who raised concerns about whether 16 year olds should legally be able to vote while also being under the age of majority in other legal aspects of society.
Supporters argue that young people are affected by policies made by governments and that 16 year olds and 17 year olds can work, potentially pay tax contributing to society and join the military so should therefore have a direct say. They question why 16 and 17 year olds can have these responsibilities without the same voting rights as their older counterparts.
Some argue that introducing the vote at 16 can establish voting behaviours early and that access to citizenship or political education while in school can potentially lead to greater participation long term. It could also cause parties to start thinking about the needs of young people in more depth, potentially increasing attention to issues that younger generations face that can go under represented as traditionally parties will aim to attract older generations.
Critics question whether or not 16 and 17 year olds are mature enough and have enough political or life experience needed to make informed voting decisions, and argue that in order to vote people should have an understanding of policies and the consequences of their decisions. Some argue that there are still other legal rights retained until 18 so this would create inconsistency on how adulthood is defined.
Critics also worry that younger voters are more susceptible to pressures and ideologies of the people around them such as influence from parents and peers or extremist content online and that lowering the age needed to vote does not guarantee young people will become politically engaged or participate, with some questioning if the policy reform is partly motivated by the interests of the current governing party.
Opinion polls taken after the announcement suggest that support varies according to age groups surveyed. YouGov polling conducted in July 2025 following the announcement showed over all 57% of people aged 18-65+ believed 16 and 17 year olds should not have the right to vote compared to 32% who thought they should, with the largest group of people that opposed being 65+ who were 78% against it.
The policy introduction could increase the importance of political education in schools, as younger people gaining voting rights could put pressure on educational institutions to make sure that students are well informed, understand how elections work, what is expected of them when taking part and how party politics and government affects their lives. This could potentially give an opportunity to strengthen political awareness and education in the younger electorate and encourage students to engage with politics before voting.
Teaching in Citizenship are offered or mandatory in some secondary schools across the country but this reform could lead to more schools adopting it and changes in the curriculum. A study into Citizenship Studies found that those who had taken it at GCSE were more interested and knowledgeable about the electoral system, they were also more likely to support votes at 16. This also raises questions about whether schools currently provide sufficient political education for those who vote at 18, as currently they are given the right to vote but potentially not enough access to political education to inform their choices.
The current PM Andy Burnham backed the Starmer government’s plans for reform when he was the Mayor of Greater Manchester, arguing for the need to build trust between young people and politicians and to listen to their perspectives. He has not directly engaged with the topic of votes at 16 explicitly since becoming PM, but has expressed support for wider electoral reforms on the voting system and that he intends to stick to the labour party manifesto commitments which would include the vote at 16.
The government is seemingly still committed to the policy through trying to pass the Representation of the People Bill that would bring English and Northern Irish elections in line with those in Scotland and Wales where younger voters are already able to vote in certain elections.
Once the legislation is passed then 16 and 17 year olds could be able to vote in the next General Election if it is implemented in time, but extending the franchise might not guarantee the benefits that the government might hope as newly eligible voters may not register or turn up to the polls like intended.
Ultimately the effects of younger voting rights will need to be assessed once its implementation has taken place based on registration and voter turn out. The policy represents an optimistic view of the significance of extending the electorate and democratic process, but if it is to produce significant change it will depend on how it is implemented and how political parties respond to younger voters concerns.
Izzy Hewlett / October 2026
