Voting Age (Reduction) Bill

A Bill to reduce the voting age for parliamentary and other elections to 16 years

What this bill does

The Bill would amend the Representation of the People Act 1983 to reduce the voting age for parliamentary and other elections, including local government elections, to 16.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

28 October 2008

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would lower the voting age to 16 for parliamentary and other elections, including local government elections. It would amend the Representation of the People Act 1983 to make this change, so 16- and 17-year-olds could vote if they meet other eligibility rules. If enacted, more young people would be able to take part in elections.

Key Points

The voting age would be reduced to 16 for parliamentary elections and other elections including local government.
It would be implemented by amending the Representation of the People Act 1983.
It would apply to 16- and 17-year-olds who meet existing voting eligibility rules.
The Bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons.
If passed, it would move through the remaining parliamentary stages to obtain Royal Assent.

Progress

The Bill is at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. If approved, it would proceed to committee stage and the subsequent stages in Parliament before becoming law.

Who is affected?

16- and 17-year-olds who would be eligible to voteTheir families and carersLocal authorities and electoral registration officersPolitical parties and campaign organisationsSchools, colleges and youth organisations involved in civic education

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

Documents (2)

Bill as introduced - html version

BillCommons

21 May 2008

Bill as introduced - pdf version

BillCommons

21 May 2008

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.