Voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c93kkg37n3kt


Around 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans to lower the voting age.

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali tells the BBC the "seismic" change will ensure young people's voices are heard.

She confirms the pledge will be part of a raft of measures introduced through a new Elections Bill.

A pledge to lower the voting age to 16 was included in Labour's election manifesto but it did not feature in last summer's King's Speech, which sets out the government's priorities for the months ahead.

The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales and elections to the Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

However for other elections, including to the UK Parliament, local elections in England and all elections in Northern Ireland, it is 18.

Lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK would be the biggest change to the electorate since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.

So we’ll go from having muppets in charge, to “tele-tubbies”

Great idea 👍 a shame it wasn't introduced before the Brexit vote

If they can be taxed, or are eligible to serve in the military they should have the right to vote.

Already exists in Wales and will be important for the senedd elections next year to get them to vote 👍

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Originally Posted by NYCBlue

If they can be taxed, or are eligible to serve in the military they should have the right to vote.

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They can serve in the military but they can't take part in any active service until 18 years of age. When I was 16 I didn't pay tax because my salary was too low and I would imagine that is true of most 16 year olds. Those arguments are a bit of a stretch and are only being implemented because Labour believe it will be advantageous for their voter base

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

Ridiculous although it was in the Labour Party manifesto. On the other hand many older people are not politically engaged so in that sense lowering the voting age is logical. My difficulties with this is imagining my grandchildren being given the vote. I doubt whether any of them are remotely bothered by the economy or benefits as they live under the impression that they will get a good job and will be able to buy a house at the time of their choosing.

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Originally Posted by Dorcus

Great idea �� a shame it wasn't introduced before the Brexit vote

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Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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Originally Posted by tforturton

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

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good

Brilliant news.

About time.

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Originally Posted by tforturton

The only reason it's being introduced is because the stats show that the majority of people at that age are Labour voters.

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Not any more I would have thought.

Good idea either way.

Should set an upper limit too - 60 perhaps? 😁

Joking aside, I think a growing number of young lads are being attracted to Reform for various reasons, so they shouldn't complain. The Tories are the biggest losers from this - their average voter age at the last general election was 63.

https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articl...neral-election

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

Not any more I would have thought.

Good idea either way.

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I support the change - but looking at recent opinion polls (General Election voting intentions) the biggest gainers are likely to be the Greens followed by the Lib Dems.

Labour might gain a bit (if 16-17 year olds have the same profile as 18-25 year olds) and the Tories and Reform will lose out.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/...-polls-by-age/

More people that wrongly think their vote makes any difference to how the country is run.

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Originally Posted by NinianKnight

Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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Originally Posted by delmbox

Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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Great reply except I would have gone for Brexiteer snowflakes.

Too low in my opinion. I think a basic principle is that you have lived a life outside of school and in the world of work before you vote. Obviously nowadays most haven't actually left education at 16 but there is a hell of a lot of living done in the years 16-18.

I also have concerns, as I think it's very open to parental influence at that age.

Also creates inconsistencies with other parts of the law. If a 17 year old is too young to face trial for a murder as they are deemed a child, then why are they capable of making informed decisions about politics, society, the economy etc.

Don't see any need to change it

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Originally Posted by delmbox

Britain joined the EU in 1973 and the Brexiteers wet the bed about that for 43 years

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EU didn't exist in 1973. Bloody hell, and you remainiacs like to sneer at others about not knowing the facts! 😘

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Originally Posted by jon1959

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c93kkg37n3kt


Around 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans to lower the voting age.

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali tells the BBC the "seismic" change will ensure young people's voices are heard.

She confirms the pledge will be part of a raft of measures introduced through a new Elections Bill.

A pledge to lower the voting age to 16 was included in Labour's election manifesto but it did not feature in last summer's King's Speech, which sets out the government's priorities for the months ahead.

The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales and elections to the Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

However for other elections, including to the UK Parliament, local elections in England and all elections in Northern Ireland, it is 18.

Lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK would be the biggest change to the electorate since it was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.

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Only if they can vote by Phone!!!, i don't think it's a bad idea TBH on reflection, too many oldies have too much influence in a world where one foot is already in the grave and do not suffer the consequences of their actions.

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Originally Posted by JamesWales

EU didn't exist in 1973. Bloody hell, and you remainiacs like to sneer at others about not knowing the facts! 😘

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Neither did the Ballon D Or.

I doubt it'll have a massive effect in any direction in terms of the polls, it would be nice if this encouraged parties to feature policies that would benefit younger people ahead of those that mostly benefit pensioners.
it probably just means the major parties will start putting out more tiktok content

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Originally Posted by NinianKnight

Bloody hell nearly 10 years on and remoaners are still wetting the bed

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The people that voted leave should be reminded every day of their life how they buggered things up.

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Originally Posted by splott parker

The people that voted leave should be reminded every day of their life how they buggered things up.

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Wanna play a game of comparing data now to data before the referendum? As shit as things may seem now, 2008-2015 was a much more difficult time.

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Originally Posted by Hilts

Neither did the Ballon D Or.

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I fear this a cultural reference that has gone over my head.. 😔