Labour"s Keir Starmer reaffirms commitment to votes at 16

Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to lowering the voting age to 16 and 17 years, despite this policy being absent from the recent King's Speech outlining the government's priorities. Speaking in Washington DC, Starmer emphasized that Labour remains dedicated to this pledge, which aims to enhance youth engagement in democracy by allowing younger individuals to participate in all elections. This initiative could potentially add over a million new voters to the electorate, reflecting Labour's manifesto promise to empower young people. During the election campaign, Starmer faced criticism from then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who suggested that the push for a lower voting age was politically motivated to benefit Labour. In response, Starmer argued that if young people are capable of working, paying taxes, and serving in the armed forces, they should also have the right to vote. This perspective highlights a broader discussion about the rights and responsibilities of young citizens in a democratic society. Currently, the legal voting age for general elections stands at 18, although different regulations apply to local and devolved elections. The absence of the voting age policy in the King's Speech has raised questions about the government's commitment to youth engagement and democratic participation. Starmer's statements indicate a clear intention to pursue this policy in the future, suggesting that Labour will continue to advocate for the rights of younger voters as part of its broader electoral strategy and commitment to inclusivity in the democratic process.