Overview

This bill proposes lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections and referendums in the UK, alongside introducing a new curriculum on citizenship and the constitution in schools in England and Wales.

Description

This bill makes two key changes. Firstly, it lowers the voting age from 18 to 16 for all UK parliamentary and local elections, as well as referendums across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and any combination thereof. Secondly, it introduces mandatory "Citizenship and the Constitution Education" (CCE) in maintained schools and other state-funded schools in England and Wales.

Enfranchisement

The bill amends existing legislation to reflect the reduced voting age, including the Representation of the People Acts 1983 and 1985. Electoral registration officers will be responsible for registering 16 and 17-year-olds and preparing to register 15-year-olds.

Education

The CCE curriculum will cover topics such as collective decision-making, the role of democratic structures, the UK's constitutional history and current political, legal and economic systems. The curriculum will be developed by schools but will adhere to principles of accuracy, balance, political impartiality, age-appropriateness, and emphasis on responsibilities and rights. The Secretary of State will issue guidance and oversee teacher training on this new curriculum.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred in implementing the Act will be paid from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

The bill will primarily affect:

• 16 and 17-year-olds: They will gain the right to vote.
• Schools in England and Wales: They will be required to implement the new CCE curriculum.
• Electoral registration officers: They will have additional responsibilities in registering younger voters.
• Teachers: They will need to adapt their teaching to incorporate the new curriculum.
• Political parties and candidates: They will need to adapt their campaigning strategies to engage with a wider electorate.

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