UK to lower voting age to 16

Britain is to reduce its voting age in general elections from 18 to 16, giving the country one of the lowest in the world. The proposed changes are designed to boost participation

VOTING AGE IN NATIONAL ELECTIONS

UK: Under 18s already participate in elections in Scotland and Wales

Germany, Belgium, Austria and Malta allowed 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to vote in 2024 European
Parliament elections

16 years old
17
18
20
21
25
Malta
Greece
Kuwait
Lebanon
Singapore
Oman
UAE
Bahrain
Nicaragua
Nauru
Argentina
Austria
Cuba
Ecuador
Brazil
North Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Indonesia
Cameroon

DECLINE OF VOTER TURNOUT IN UK (%)

1950
51
55
59
64
66
70
Feb 74
Oct 74
79
83
87
92
97
2001
05
10
15
17
19
24

65
55
75
85

67.3
83.9
82.6
76.8
78.7
77.1
75.8
72.0
78.8
72.8
76.0
72.7
75.3
77.7
71.4
59.4
59.7
61.4
65.1
66.2
68.8

2024: 59.7% – lowest voter turnout since 2001

Sources: Reuters, ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, House of Commons Library
Picture: Newscom
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