The UK government has announced plans to lower the voting age in the UK for general elections down to 16 years old.
It means around 1.5m 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in the next election. The minimum voting age is already 16 for local council elections in Scotland and Wales. However for other elections, including to the UK Parliament general election, local elections in England and all elections in Northern Ireland, it is 18.
The move will mean the voting age will be 16 for all elections across the UK and ensure younger people have a stronger voice in who they want to govern.
