Kirsty Warner on Lowering the UK Voting Age to 16

Reflecting on the news that Labour is lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK before the next general election, Kirsty Warner, Assistant Professor in Politics at the University of Warwick, said:

“Lowering the voting age to 16 could profoundly alter the UK’s political landscape by increasing the influence of socially liberal, globally minded voters focused on the cost of living, climate, housing, and opportunity. With that comes pressure on political parties to move beyond stunts and rethink what they offer and how they communicate.

“Surveys show that 52% of 16–18-year-olds are dissatisfied with how UK democracy works. The alteration to the voting age will give a voice to the generation most affected by decisions like Brexit.

“This provides an opportunity for young people to shape a future they’ll actually have to live in. A prime example is the UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme. The proposal already has broad public support, and the potential of a youth vote would push parties to act: turning cautious proposals into commitments that respond to rising expectations.”