A Bill to extend the franchise for parliamentary and other elections, and for referendums, to all citizens over the age of 16 years.
House of Lords
28 October 2013
The Bill would lower the voting age to 16 for parliamentary elections, referendums, and other elections covered by it, extending the franchise to all citizens aged 16 and over. In effect, 16- and 17-year-olds would be eligible to vote alongside older voters. The exact mechanics would be set out in the Bill and any accompanying regulations.
The Bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee and then third reading in the Lords before possible passage to the House of Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - took place on 25 October.
Committee stage - line by line examination of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2013-14 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
