The UK government is preparing to lower the legal voting age to 16, a shift that would enable over 1.5 million teenagers to participate in the next general election, currently scheduled for 2029.

This initiative is part of a new Elections Bill announced on Thursday, aligning with Labour’s manifesto promise to increase civic engagement among younger citizens.

“Giving young people a voice at an earlier stage in life helps foster long-term participation in democracy,” the policy outline explained, emphasizing that the changes aim to “rebuild trust” in the electoral system.

According to the proposal, if individuals aged 16 can be employed and contribute through taxation, they should also have the right to influence political decisions.

The new rules would allow those as young as 14 to pre-register, ensuring automatic enrollment once they reach voting age. Additional provisions include relaxed ID requirements for those lacking a National Insurance number and steps to assist youth in foster care with registration. However, the minimum age to run for elected office will stay at 18.

Some critics argue the change is politically motivated, pointing out that younger voters tend to lean left. A YouGov survey indicates Labour leads among the 18–24 age group with 28%, trailed by the Green Party at 26% and the Liberal Democrats at 20%.

Opposition voices have also challenged the policy’s consistency. Conservative Shadow Minister Paul Holmes questioned, “How can the government justify giving 16-year-olds the vote, while still restricting them from buying alcohol, getting married, joining the military, or even standing for office?”