The U.K. is planning to lower voting age to 16-years-old by the next general election. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says the proposed change is about “giving young people an opportunity to have a say,” rather than scoring votes for a particular party like some critics have implied. The change, if approved by parliament, would align with voting rights in Scotland and Wales, who’s 16-17-year-olds already participate in elections. And with the 2024 general election turnout in the U.K. at its lowest since 2001, it’s a move that aims to get more people to show up to vote, with the next general election due by 2029. However, in the U.K., 16-17-year-olds represent a small portion of the voting-age population (3%), and since younger voters are generally less likely to turn out, experts believe their impact on election results would be minimal. (CNN, BBC)
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