Overview

This bill proposes to lower the voting age for referendums in the United Kingdom from 18 to 16. This means that all UK citizens aged 16 and over would be eligible to vote in any future referendums.

Description

The Referendums (Franchise) Bill amends the Representation of the People Act 1983. It introduces a new section (2A) specifying that a person is entitled to vote in a referendum if, on polling day, they are:

• Registered on the local government electors' register or a new register of 16 and 17-year-olds.
• Not legally incapacitated from voting (excluding age).
• A Commonwealth citizen, Irish citizen, or relevant EU citizen.
• Aged 16 or over.

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to create and maintain a separate register for 16 and 17-year-olds in each area.

The bill applies to the whole of the UK and comes into force immediately upon being passed.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the cost of implementing the new register for 16 and 17-year-olds. Therefore, the exact impact on government spending is unknown, but it is expected to incur some additional administrative costs associated with the creation and maintenance of the new register.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• 16 and 17-year-olds: They gain the right to vote in referendums.
• Local authorities: They will be responsible for maintaining the new register of 16 and 17-year-olds.
• The Electoral Commission: They will need to adapt their processes to accommodate the lower voting age.

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