New proposals could see voting age lowered for national elections

Politics
3 Mar 2026 • 6:31 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The UK government has proposed new voting laws, including granting 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in national elections for the first time.
  • The Representation of the People Bill also introduces automatic voter registration, restrictions on foreign donations, and measures to prevent intimidation of election staff.
  • Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed stated the change acknowledges young people as the nation's future and aligns with existing voting ages in devolved elections.
  • The Conservative Party opposes the Bill, arguing that lowering the voting age is inconsistent with other age of majority laws and that automatic registration risks electoral fraud.
  • While supporting the voting age reduction, the Liberal Democrats criticised the Bill for not addressing broader reforms to the UK's "outdated" electoral system.

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