Big changes are coming to the way elections work – and a once-in-a-generation change will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to get involved in democracy across the UK for the first time in history.
What’s changing?
👩🎓 Young people get to vote – 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK are finally being given the right to vote in all elections. Electoral registration age is also being lowered to 14, so that 16-year-olds can vote even if an election happens on their birthday.
🪪 Making voting fairer and easier - Expanding the list of IDs allowed at polling stations, with UK-issued bank cards set to be accepted as voter ID.
🧾 Improving voter registration - to help more voters get registered, so their vote and their voice count in matters that affect them.
When is this happening?
The government introduce the Representation of the People Bill to Parliament today as the first major step in changing the law to make these improvements. The new laws will be in place in time for the next General Election.
Why are these changes important to me?
Young people are the future - and it’s time they help shape it. Decisions happening now also affect them and that’s why it’s so important they have their say.
But it’s not just young people who will benefit. Our changes will affect everyone and mean that:
- Registering your vote will be simpler, so fewer people miss out. Improvements will mean less time needing to re-enter your details across different government websites, making it quicker and easier for every eligible voter to register to have their say in elections.
- Keeps your vote secure with fairer ID rules, making voting easier and less restrictive for those without certain types of ID like drivers' licences, as not everyone has them. Our research shows 99% of people will have acceptable ID to vote after our changes.
- Improves how our elections are run, making them a smoother and more modern experience for you.
What else is changing?
We are also:
💷 Protecting our democracy from foreign money - Tough new rules to stop foreign and illegal money from being involved in our elections, protecting British voters and our democratic power on matters that affect us.
🚫 Putting a stop to harassment - Extra measures to protect political candidates, campaigners and staff who often face abuse
🧑⚖️ Stronger regulation - The peoplein charge of overseeing elections, the Electoral Commission, will get tougher powers to enforce all these rules.
This will make politics fairer, so every voice counts and every vote is protected ✅