Voting Age to be Lowered to 16

The UK government has announced that as part of electoral reform they will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in UK wide elections.

The Stormont Assembly in 2024 had called on the UK government to reduce the voting age to 16.

Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali, said: “We are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change."   

The government is also expanding voter ID to permit the use of UK-issued bank cards as an accepted form of ID at the polling station.

To deliver these changes, the government are going to bring forward an elections bill. The bill will deliver the Government’s manifesto commitments and wider ambitions set out in this Strategy by putting in place the legislation required for these important reforms.

A subsequent programme of secondary legislation will set out the detail for implementation.

Newry and Armagh MP Daire Hughes welcomed the move. Mr Hughes said: “This is a welcome and long-overdue step that strengthens democracy and empowers young people to have a direct say in decisions that affect their lives.

“Young people should not have to rely on others to speak for them. They have their own views, values, and priorities — and they deserve to have those reflected at the ballot box.

“Sinn Féin has consistently supported this change. In September, our motion calling for votes at 16 was passed in the Assembly, and we have campaigned for this as part of a broader drive for democratic reform.

“Young people make an incredible contribution to our communities. They are impacted by public policy just like everyone else — in education, health, housing and climate — and they have every right to help shape the decisions that will define their future."

Mr Hughes continued “With two elections scheduled in the north in 2027, the focus now must be on ensuring 16 and 17-year-olds can take part.

“Sinn Féin will continue to push for this change to apply to the 2027 Assembly and council elections. Young people must have their say in shaping the future of our society at every level of government.”