In a historic move, the UK government will allow millions of young people to vote for the first time by lowering the national voting age to 16 before the next general election. Announced as part of a larger democratic overhaul, the reform brings the UK into line with Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds are already able to vote in local and devolved elections.
In addition to promoting greater inclusion and fairness for young people who work, pay taxes, and are eligible to serve in the military, the action carries out a promise made in the Labour Party manifesto.
To enable more people to exercise their democratic right, ministers will also expand voter ID to include bank and veteran’s cards as part of a comprehensive package of reforms. There will also be stricter new regulations to prevent foreign political meddling and candidate abuse, as the Guardian disclosed.
The extension of the right to vote satisfies a Labour manifesto pledge to grant the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds. Additionally, the package seems to be moving in the direction of promoting increased voter registration.
The government stated that it would transition to a “increasingly automated voter registration system,” which would eliminate the need to repeatedly enter information across various government services, even though it does not promise to fully automate voter registration.
Toughening the law to prevent intimidation, harassment, and abuse of candidates, campaigners, and electoral staff is another change.
Changes include removing the requirement that candidates list their home addresses on election materials and amending the law to make harassment of a candidate, campaigner, or employee an aggravating circumstance.
Last but not least, the government intends to amend the legislation to prohibit anyone convicted of intimidating or mistreating a candidate from running for office again.
