A Bill to amend the franchise for referendums in the United Kingdom to include all citizens of 16 years of age and over.
House of Lords
12 May 2016
This Bill would change who can vote in referendums in the United Kingdom by allowing all citizens aged 16 and over to participate. It would extend the referendum franchise to younger voters, though it does not alter who may vote in general elections. The reform is limited to referendums and their administration.
The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage and subsequent readings before potential passage to the House of Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 9 June. 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.
The 2015/16 session of parliament has ended and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
