Gen Z is officially getting a seat at the table! The UK government announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections, marking the biggest electoral reform in decades. 🎉 The move aims to align voting rules across England, Scotland, and Wales—where teens already vote in local elections—and reverse declining voter turnout.
Deputy PM Angela Rayner called it a 'game-changer for democracy,' saying the reforms will 'break down barriers' for young voices. 📢 Stats back the shift: Research shows 16-year-olds are more likely to vote than first-time 18-year-old voters. Plus, the 2024 general election saw the lowest turnout since 2001 at just 59.7%—a trend this policy hopes to flip.
But wait, there's more! The overhaul also includes:
📱 Digital voter IDs (bye-bye, paper hassle!)
💳 Bank cards as valid ID at polling stations
🔍 Stricter rules on political donations to curb 'shell company' loopholes
While the changes need parliamentary approval, activists are already calling it a win for youth representation. Could this inspire other countries? 🌍 Let’s just say TikTok debates about tax policies might get a lot more interesting…
