The UK government will give all 16-year-olds the right to vote in elections as part of seismic changes to modernise UK democracy, delivering a key manifesto commitment and helping to restore trust in politics through Labour’s Plan for Change.
16-year-olds can now vote(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In a landmark move to modernise UK democracy, 16-year-olds will be granted the right to vote in all UK elections. This fulfils a key manifesto pledge and is part of Labour’s so-called “Plan for Change” aimed at restoring faith in politics.
This means that young people, who already contribute to society through work, tax payments and military service, will have the right to vote on matters that impact them. This aligns UK-wide elections with those in Scotland and Wales and marks a significant stride towards fulfilling a manifesto commitment, heralding the most substantial shift in UK democracy in a generation.
The plans, unveiled today in a fresh strategy paper, aim to enhance democratic engagement in an evolving world and help rebuild trust in UK democracy.
As part of these plans, the government is taking additional steps to ensure eligible voters are not discouraged from voting. Voter ID requirements will be expanded to include UK-issued bank cards as acceptable identification at polling stations.
This is in addition to exploring more digital options to assist voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format.
A new digital Voter Authority Certificate will also be introduced to enable Electoral Registration Officers to meet the digital needs of voters, cut down on printing costs and ensure quicker delivery.
An increasingly automated voter registration system will also streamline the process for individuals to register to vote, eliminating the need to repeatedly fill out their details across various government services.
Significant new changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability in politics by closing loopholes that could allow foreign donors via ‘shell companies’ to influence UK political parties. Additionally, new requirements on unincorporated associations will necessitate checks on donations over £500 to combat foreign interference and safeguard UK democracy from those seeking to undermine it.
In tandem with this, the reforms will empower the Electoral Commission to enforce heftier fines of up to £500,000 on those who violate political finance rules, and impose stricter sentences for those who harass election campaigners – thereby solidifying the foundations of UK democracy.
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner stated: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.
“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.”
Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali, stated: “We are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. 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 and boosting engagement in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change.
“By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.