The British government wants to lower the age of the right to vote from 18 to 16, to modernize democracy

“Young people are already contributing to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the army. However, It is normal that they can express themselves on the questions that concern them ”said on X Thursday. Furthermore, July 17, the british government wants lower age Vice-Prime-Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. Nevertheless, The British government’s announcement concerning its proposal to reform the age of the right to vote-to go from 18 to 16 years-. Meanwhile, applies to all elections in the United Kingdom, in particular the legislative elections provided for in 2029.

This change. which must however be approved by parliament, will allow that “More people can engage in British democracy”added Angela Rayner in a press release. Presented as a measure of “Modernization of British democracy”she was part of the Labor Electoral Program Keir Starmer. who came to power in July 2024.

The reform should also make it possible to vote by identifying with a British credit card. Voters in the United Kingdom can already vote by presenting a passport. a driving license, a transport card for the elderly, and since last year a veteran card.

It’s necessary “Help the greatest number of. people to exercise their democratic law”said the government’s press release. According to M^me Rayner, “Too many people” were discouraged because of ” rules “ too rigid.

Participation in the British legislative elections last year was 59.7 %, the lowest since 2001.

To date, only a few countries around the world allow 16 -year -old young people to vote in the national elections. Among them. Brazil or Austria, which was the first country in the European Union to have lowered the age of voting to 16 british government wants lower age years in 2007. Belgium, Germany and Malta authorize young people aged 16 to vote in elections in the European Parliament.