In the biggest shake-up to voter rights in the UK since 1969, we will see 16 and 17-year-olds able to vote in the next general election. This will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales and give young people, who already pay taxes and serve in the military, a voice in society.
The last time we saw such a major change, the Representation of the People Act extended the vote to all men and women over 18, and that was 55 years ago. Before that, only in 1918 was the vote given to all men over 21 and most women over 30—who wouldn’t gain full suffrage until 1928.
Today (July 17), the government published its plan to “boost democratic engagement… help to restore trust in UK democracy.” Part of the paper is to expand voter ID—introduced under the previous government from May 2023—by permitting the use of UK-issued bank cards at the polling station.
This is alongside more digital options to support voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format. Alternatively, a new digital ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ will be created.
What other changes are being outlined for the UK voting?
- An increasingly automated voter registration system aims to make it easier for people to register to vote.
- The government will close loopholes that allow foreign donors via ‘shell companies’ to influence UK political parties.
- Requirements on unincorporated associations to mandate checks on donations over £500 to tackle foreign interference.
- Allow the Electoral Commission to issue heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach election campaign rules.
“For too long, public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline,” said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
“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 sixteen-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.”
To deliver these changes, the government will first bring forward an elections bill to be passed by parliament at a later date.