The United Kingdom Government, led by Labor Keir Starmer, announced Thursday that the minimum age to vote in the next general elections will reduce at 16 years. “Today we fulfill our promise to give young people of 16 and 17 years the right to vote,” the Vice Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, celebrated on the social network X. “Young people already contribute to society working, paying taxes and serving in the Army. It is fair that they can comment on the matters that affect them,” he said.
In this way, and according to the British government, the elections will be equated throughout the United Kingdom with those of Scotland and Wales, where young people of these ages can vote. “We mark the beginning of the greatest change in British democracy in a generation“, say from the Starmer executive.
This modification is just one of a plan with which they are looking for “Promote democratic participation” and “help to restore confidence in the United Kingdom democracy”. In addition to the vote at 16 and 17, the voter identification system will be expanded, allowing the use of bank cards as a valid form. “This adds to the use of more digital options to support voters and electoral school staff, including authorization for the use of accepted identifications, such as the veteran card and driving license […] When available in digital format. ”
On the other hand, “important changes” will also be included for prevent foreign donors can influence British political parties “Through ghost companies.” Likewise, those who violate political financing norms will face more severe fines, up to 500,000 pounds sterling (almost 600,000 euros).
In the opinion of the Minister of Democracy, Rushanara Ali, “by reinforcing the safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”
In Spain, the Minister of Children and Youth, Sira Rego, wants to include the vote at 16 in the future Youth Law.
