PolicyWISE briefing highlights need for consistency on Voting Age across the UK and Ireland

voting age table

The latest Wise in 5 briefing from PolicyWISE reveals a patchwork of voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK and Ireland. While young people can vote in devolved elections in Scotland and Wales, they remain excluded from UK-wide elections and all elections in England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. This inconsistency has led to growing calls for reform and a unified voting age across all nations.

The issue has gained renewed political momentum following the UK Labour Government’s manifesto pledge to lower the voting age to 16. Although not included in the July 2024 King’s Speech, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the Government’s commitment in April 2025, stating:

“If you’re old enough to go out and work, if you’re old enough to pay your taxes, then you are entitled to have a say on how your taxes are spent.”

The Wise in 5: Voting Age briefing explores:

  • The current legal voting ages across UK nations and the Republic of Ireland;
  • Key arguments for and against lowering the voting age to 16;
  • Barriers to youth voter engagement, including gaps in education and awareness;
  • Evidence from Scotland and Wales showing that earlier voting leads to long-term democratic participation.

People opposed to lowering the voting age to 16 base it on the ‘maturity argument’—the idea that 16 and 17-year-olds are too immature to vote, and that rights granted at 16 are often subject to conditions, such as requiring parental consent or being limited in scope, so legitimising the distinctions between different types of rights. Opponents also point out that polling suggests a majority of the public is against lowering the voting age, and some argue the move is a political tactic aimed at boosting support for Labour or other left-leaning parties.

Those in favour of decreasing the voting age argument highlight that we do not assess the political capacity of other age groups, such as older people. Furthermore, research indicates that public support for votes at 16 tends to increase after implementation, as seen in Scotland.

Dr. Donna Smith, lead author and Senior Lecturer in Politics at The Open University, commented:

“Our research shows that lowering the voting age can strengthen democratic engagement over time. But education and outreach are essential to support that shift.”

There are valid arguments on both sides, but before any change is made, it would benefit politicians and political parties to learn from the impact of lowering the voting age in Wales and Scotland. Crucially, the opinions of young people - particularly those under 18 who would be directly affected - should be sought, alongside measures to increase and encourage formal political engagement. Barriers to voting must also be addressed, including a greater focus on political education at school and post-school levels (including adults). Some administrations, such as the Welsh Senedd, can build on the work they are already doing in this area; others, in turn, can learn from Wales.

PolicyWISE recommends:

  • A cross-nation review to learn from the experiences in Wales and Scotland,
  • Ongoing impact assessments to understand the effects of votes at 16,
  • Greater involvement of young people in shaping voting age policy,
  • Improved political education to support lifelong democratic engagement.

Dewi Knight, Director of PolicyWISE, said:

“The case for a consistent, evidence-informed approach to voting age has never been clearer. We encourage all political parties and governments to engage with the data and, importantly, with the young people whose voices must be heard.”