Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
16 and 17-year olds to get the right to vote
A polling station in Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, May 18, 2023

SIXTEEN and 17-year olds are to get the right to vote in the next general election under reforms unveiled by ministers today.

The change is part of a package of measures billed by the government as strengthening democracy.

Voter ID requirements are to be retained by Labour, but bank cards will now be included as admissible identification at polling stations.

There will also be new rules to guard against foreign interference in elections after concerns were raised that billionaire Elon Musk might donate $100 million to hard-right Reform UK, using a loophole in existing legislation.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.   

“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”      

The newly enfranchised young people will have the right to vote in all elections in future, although polling suggests that many are not showing much interest in doing so.

The change to donor rules aims to plug a loophole which allowed foreign donors to fund parties through UK-registered companies.

Measures to tackle the harassment and abuse of candidates for office will also be included in the Bill.

Democracy minister Rushanara Ali said: “The reforms will crack down on these unacceptable practices, delivering tougher sentences for those who intimidate campaigners and stronger protections for candidates in public life by removing the requirement for their home address to be published and openly available.”   

 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, May 14, 2025
Labour Party / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
Former Labour leader and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn addresses campaigners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign taking part in a protest outside Downing Street, London, to oppose the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, September 9, 2025
Politics / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan at the launch of the Holiday Hope programme, July 24, 2025
Britain / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Former Labour leader and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn joins workers on the picket line at the Village Hotel in Glasgow who have been on a month-long strike over pay and conditions, August 22, 2025
Politics / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Similar stories
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a reception for public sector workers, at 10 Downing Street, London, July 1, 2025
Politics / 3 July 2025
3 July 2025

Starmer struggles to save leadership amid polling calamity

A view of £5, £10, £20 and £50 bank notes
Britain / 6 March 2025
6 March 2025
Scottish Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater during the party
Britain / 30 December 2024
30 December 2024