‘They work, pay taxes, serve in military’: UK to lower voting age to 16; Deputy PM Rayner says young people deserve a say

The UK government announced on Thursday its plan to reduce the voting age from 18 to 16 for general elections, a major electoral reform aimed at empowering younger citizens.Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed the move in a post on X, saying, “Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military.

It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.

” She added that the government was delivering on its promise to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds.The policy change comes after the ruling party pledged electoral reforms ahead of last year’s polls. Once implemented, the UK will join countries like Austria, Brazil, and Scotland, where citizens aged 16 and above can vote in national or local elections.