Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister has said that she wants to lower the voting age to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to have the right to vote by the next general election.
Labour is saying that those aged 16 and 17 pay taxes and can serve in the military therefore they should have the right to vote as they are contributing to the economy.
Rayner said: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.
“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.”
Rushanara Ali, the Minister for Democracy, 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.
“By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”
Parliament will debate the proposed changes and will be included in the Elections Bill.
