Britain’s Labour government said on 17 July it will lower the voting age from 18 to 16, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to take part in every UK election from the next general election onward. Ministers estimate the measure will add roughly 1.5 million people to the electoral roll, the largest single expansion of the franchise since the age limit was cut to 18 in 1969. The change will be introduced through a forthcoming Elections Bill that also proposes automatic voter registration, an expanded list of acceptable identification—extending to UK-issued bank cards—and tougher controls on campaign finance. Political parties that break revised donation rules could face fines of up to £500,000. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the reform “breaks down barriers to participation,” while Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali argued that young people who work, pay taxes and can join the armed forces deserve a voice at the ballot box. The move brings England and Northern Ireland into line with Scotland and Wales, where 16-year-olds already vote in devolved elections. Opposition lawmakers questioned the consistency of granting voting rights at 16 when other age-restricted activities, such as buying alcohol or standing for Parliament, remain set at 18, and accused the government of seeking partisan advantage. The legislation must still clear Parliament, but Labour’s commanding majority makes passage likely.