Overview

This bill proposes to lower the voting age in the UK from 18 to 16 for all elections and referendums. This would grant the right to vote to all UK citizens aged 16 and over.

Description

The Voting Age (Comprehensive Reduction) Bill amends existing legislation to reduce the minimum voting age. Specifically:

• Parliamentary Elections: The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended to change the voting age for parliamentary elections from 18 to 16.
• Local Government Elections: The Representation of the People Act 1983 is also amended to lower the voting age for local government elections from 18 to 16.
• Overseas Electors: The Representation of the People Act 1985 is amended to reduce the voting age for overseas electors from 18 to 16.
• Referendums: The bill implicitly extends the franchise to 16-year-olds for referendums, though this isn't explicitly stated in the text provided.
• Implementation: The changes would come into effect on January 1st, 2014, and apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The cost would likely be associated with updating voter registration systems and potentially public information campaigns, but no figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• 16 and 17-year-olds: This group would gain the right to vote in all elections and referendums.
• Political Parties: Parties would need to adapt their campaigning strategies to engage with a wider electorate.
• Election Officials: They would need to update voter registration and election procedures to accommodate the change.

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