Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office

Lower the voting age for all elections from 18 to 16

Closed 73 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government should reduce the voting age, for all elections the UK Government sets the franchise for, from 18 to 16. The new voting age should also apply to future referendums.
People at the age of 16 are perfectly capable of being politically active and voting. If they are able to join the military, join trade unions and get married, why are their voting rights prohibited until the age of 18. Many of the issues that the public are allowed to vote on directly affect the younger generation. By not allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote, they are unable to have their say on topics that could potentially decide their futures.

Timeline

20 Oct 2021 Petition opened for signatures
20 Apr 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 73
Status Closed
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 20 Oct 2021
Closed 20 Apr 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.