Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? In the United Kingdom, that question is close to being answered with a yes. On 12 February 2026, the government introduced the Representation of the People Bill. If it becomes law, 16- and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in all UK elections, including general elections. That could add about 1.7 million young voters.
Where the bill stands
The bill did not finish before the end of the parliamentary session in spring, so the government carried it over into the new session in May. It passed its third reading in the House of Commons on 2 September 2026 and is now in the House of Lords. After the Lords, it needs Royal Assent to become law. According to an interactive timeline from the bill’s supporters, the first general election with 16-year-old voters could be in 2028 or 2029.
The bill also changes other things, such as allowing UK bank cards as voter ID. It has critics: Conservative MPs voted against it at second reading, and some reform groups say it does not go far enough.
Not a new idea
- Scotland let 16-year-olds vote in the 2014 independence referendum and in Scottish Parliament and local elections from 2015.
- Wales followed for Senedd and local elections from 2020.
- Austria lowered the voting age to 16 for all national elections in 2007, the first EU country to do so.
- Brazil allows 16- and 17-year-olds to vote if they choose; voting becomes compulsory at 18.
- Several other countries, including Argentina and Ecuador, also allow voting from 16.
What the evidence suggests
Supporters argue that 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes and in many places leave school, so they should have a say. Research from places like Austria and Scotland suggests that people who vote young, while still living at home and studying civics at school, may be more likely to keep voting later. A UK government research summary published in September 2026 found that young people often had low trust in politicians but more trust in elections, and some saw votes at 16 as a way to make politicians listen.
Opponents say 16-year-olds are not yet adults in other areas of law and may be too strongly influenced by parents or teachers. These are fair questions, and the debate continues.
What schools can do
If the voting age is lowered, civic education becomes even more important. Mock elections, debates and visits to councils can help young people feel ready. The UK’s National Youth Agency and the UK Youth Parliament have campaigned for votes at 16 for years. Their advice: young people should register as soon as they can.
Sources
- Full Fact: Is the government delivering on votes at 16?
- GOV.UK: Votes at 16 policy summary
- International IDEA: 1.7 million additional voters
- UK Parliament: Representation of the People Bill
- Reclaim The Net bill tracker: Commons third reading and Lords stage
- GOV.UK: Votes at 16 research executive summary
- National Youth Agency: Votes at 16 and the bill
- Electoral Reform Society: the bill moves democracy forward
