Voting Age (Comprehensive Reduction) Bill [HL]

What this bill does

A Bill to extend the franchise for parliamentary and other elections, and for referendums, to all citizens over the age of 16 years.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

30 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Voting Age (Comprehensive Reduction) Bill aims to lower the voting age to 16 for parliamentary elections, other elections, and referendums. It would give the vote to all UK citizens aged 16 and over, including 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill started in the House of Lords and is currently at its second reading there.

Key Points

Aims to reduce the voting age to 16 for parliamentary elections, other elections, and referendums.
Extends the franchise to all UK citizens aged 16 and over (including 16- and 17-year-olds).
Originates in the House of Lords; currently at the second reading in the Lords.
If passed, would move through both Houses and receive royal assent to become law.
Could increase youth participation in elections and referendums.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stages and then be considered by the House of Commons.

Who is affected?

16- and 17-year-olds in the UKUK citizens aged 16 and over (the broader electorate)

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Voting Age (Comprehensive Reduction)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 22 October. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

Documents (1)

HL BILL 46 2012-13 (as introduced)

BillLords

23 Oct 2012

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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