Sixteen and 17 year olds will be able to vote in all UK elections in the biggest reform to the electoral system since 1969.
The government said it will give young people the right to vote in the next general election, something Labour promised in its manifesto last summer.
They can already vote in Senedd elections in Wales and Holyrood elections in Scotland, but this will mean all 16 and 17 year olds across all four UK nations can vote in local, regional and general elections.
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Up to 9.5 million more people will now be able to vote, the IPPR thinktank said. The latest figures show 48,208,507 people are registered to vote.
The last time the voting age was changed was in 1969 when it was reduced from 21 to 18.
The government has said the change will “boost democratic engagement in a changing world, and help to restore trust in UK democracy”.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “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 16 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.”
Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes accused Labour of having “rushed” the announcement out “in an attempt to avoid parliamentary scrutiny and without consultation”, calling it a “confusing message to young people”.
He said it is a “brazen attempt” by a party…
