The government said it will give young people the right to vote in the next general election, something Labour promised in its manifesto last summer.
They can already vote in Senedd elections in Wales and Holyrood elections in Scotland, but this will mean all 16 and 17 year olds across the UK can vote in local, regional and general elections.
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Up to 9.5 million more people will now be able to vote, the IPPR thinktank said. The latest figures show 48,208,507 people are registered to vote.
The last time the voting age was changed was in 1969 when it was reduced from 21 to 18.
The government has said the change will “boost democratic engagement in a changing world, and help to restore trust in UK democracy”.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.
“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16 year olds the right to vote.
“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”
Bank cards allowed as voter ID
As part of the strategy, voter ID will also be extended to include UK-issued bank cards.
When other IDs that are already accepted, such as the veteran card and UK driving licences, become digitised, they will also be accepted in that form.
A digital Voter Authority Certificate will also be created to ensure electoral registration officers, who maintain registers of electors and absent voters, will be able to accept digital forms of ID.
Close loopholes for foreign donors
In an effort to boost transparency and accountability in politics, the government said it will close loopholes allowing foreign donors via “shell companies” to influence UK political parties.
New requirements will be introduced so unincorporated associations will have to carry out checks on donations over £500 to tackle foreign interference.
The Electoral Commission will also be given new powers to enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules, and enable tougher sentences for those who abuse election campaigners.
