Published on
17 July 2025
The next general election will see 16-year-olds able to vote for the first time. Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali told the BBC the "seismic" change would ensure young people's voices were heard.
Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo's, said: "The announcement that the voting age will be lowered to 16 is momentous for young people across the UK. We know that young people have valuable contributions to make about issues that directly impact them every day. Lowering the voting age to 16 empowers them to help shape the society they live in.
“Barnardo’s has consistently advocated for giving young people a stronger voice in decisions that affect them. This announcement is an important step forward in making that a reality."