What is votes at 16?
Votes at 16 means lowering the voting age from 18 to 16. Sixteen and seventeen year olds can already vote in Scottish Parliament, Senedd and Scottish and Welsh council elections. The UK government's Representation of the People Bill, introduced in February 2026, would extend this to UK general elections.
Scotland let 16 and 17 year olds vote in the 2014 independence referendum, then made it permanent for Holyrood and council elections from 2015. Wales followed for Senedd elections in 2021 and council elections in 2022. For UK general elections, English local elections and Northern Ireland elections, the voting age is still 18. Northern Ireland still uses 18 for all elections.
Labour promised votes at 16 in its 2024 manifesto. The Representation of the People Bill was introduced on 12 February 2026 and carried over into the new session in May 2026. It would also let people register to vote from 14. The government says the change will be in place before the next general election, which must be held by August 2029.
Supporters argue that 16 year olds can work, pay tax and join the armed forces, so should have a say. They say voting early builds lifelong habits. Opponents argue 18 is the accepted age of adulthood, and some suggest the change is designed to help particular parties. Around 1.3 million 16 and 17 year olds live in England alone. Polls suggest public opinion is divided.
The left generally supports votes at 16, arguing young people should have a say on decisions that shape their future.
The right generally opposes votes at 16, arguing 18 is the right age of adulthood for voting.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide you can decide whether to bring in votes at 16 through the Statute Book and see how the electorate changes.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
Can 16 year olds vote in the UK?
In Scottish and Welsh parliament and council elections, yes, but not yet in UK general elections.
When will votes at 16 start for general elections?
The government says before the next general election, if the bill becomes law.
Which countries let 16 year olds vote?
Examples include Austria, Malta, Brazil and Argentina.