Voting Age (Reduction to 16) Bill

A Bill to allow persons aged 16 years or older to vote as electors at parliamentary and local government elections, and in referendums; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

26 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would lower the voting age to 16, allowing anyone aged 16 or older to vote in UK parliamentary elections, local government elections and referendums. It also includes related provisions needed to implement the change.

Key Points

Lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for parliamentary elections, local government elections, and referendums.
Applies to all eligible electors aged 16 and above (so 16- and 17-year-olds would be enfranchised).
Contains provisions for implementing the change and any related purposes.
Currently at the Second Reading in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it would move through the usual stages (committee, report, third reading) before potential passage to the Lords.

Progress

The Bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to Committee stage, then Report stage and Third Reading in the Commons, and finally go to the House of Lords for consideration.

Who is affected?

16- and 17-year-olds and other voters aged 16 and aboveElectoral registration officers and local authorities responsible for running electionsEducational institutions and youth organisations involved in voter registration and civic education

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Voting Age (Reduction to 16)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 125 2012-13 (as introduced)

BillCommons

24 Jan 2013

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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