Overview

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

Description

The Voting Age (Reduction) Bill amends existing legislation, specifically the Representation of the People Acts of 1983 and 1985. The key change is replacing "18" with "16" in sections defining the voting age for parliamentary, local government, and overseas elections. This means 16 and 17-year-olds would gain the right to vote.

The bill includes a one-year delay before the changes come into effect, allowing time for implementation. It applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost is likely to be minimal, primarily related to updating electoral registers and voter information materials to include 16 and 17-year-olds. Any increased administrative costs are unlikely to be substantial.

Groups Affected

• 16 and 17-year-olds: They would gain the right to vote, potentially influencing election outcomes and political discourse.
• Political parties: They would need to adapt their campaigning strategies to engage with a younger electorate.
• Electoral Commission: Responsible for managing elections, they would need to adjust their processes to accommodate the expanded electorate.
• Schools and Colleges: May be involved in voter registration and education initiatives for the new age group.

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