Overview

This bill proposes to lower the voting age in the UK from 18 to 16 for all elections, including parliamentary and local government elections.

Description

The core purpose of the Voting Age (Reduction) Bill is to amend existing legislation to include 16 and 17-year-olds in the electorate. Specifically, it targets sections of the Representation of the People Acts 1983 and 1985, replacing the age limit of "18" with "16" in clauses defining parliamentary and local government electors. This change would grant the right to vote in all UK elections to all citizens aged 16 and above. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It would come into effect two months after it receives Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The main cost would likely involve updating voter registration systems and potentially voter education campaigns to inform the newly enfranchised 16 and 17-year-olds of their right to vote. The exact financial impact would need further assessment.

Groups Affected

This bill would directly affect:

• 16 and 17-year-olds: They would gain the right to vote in all elections.
• Political parties: They would need to adapt their campaigning strategies to engage with a wider electorate.
• Election officials: They would need to update voter registration and management systems.
• Government bodies: They would need to consider the potential implications for policy decisions, given the inclusion of a younger demographic in the electorate.

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