Petition · past parliament
Lower franchise to 16 years & extend franchise to overseas citizens for life.
Closed
69 signatures
What the petition asks
Young adolescents should be accredited as contributing valuable life experience which may help evolve adult society and should therefore be entitled to vote. British expatriates are not eligible to participate in UK elections beyond 15 years abroad, this restriction should be repealed.
Lowering the age of franchise would put Britain at the vanguard of franchise reform and show recognition to the enormous contribution youth culture brings to Britain.
The Overseas Electors Bill 2017-19 was unsuccessfully brought before Parliament as a Private Members Bill. However, there is extensive support for franchise reform to abolish the 15 year rule.
The Overseas Electors Bill 2017-19 was unsuccessfully brought before Parliament as a Private Members Bill. However, there is extensive support for franchise reform to abolish the 15 year rule.
Timeline
| 16 May 2019 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 6 Nov 2019 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
69
Status
Closed
Opened
16 May 2019
Closed
6 Nov 2019
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.