'Adults make dumb decisions': What do teenagers think about lowering the voting age?

The Labour government last week (17 July) announced seismic plans to lower the voting age to 16 in all UK elections. This would potentially give around 1.5 million 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote at the next general election, due by 2029. The move would also bring the voting age in England and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland and Wales, where young people already vote in devolved elections.

The policy was a 2024 Labour manifesto pledge, which stated: “We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections.” It now forms a central part of a new elections bill, which also includes proposals to simplify voter registration, expand accepted forms of voter ID (including UK-issued bank cards and digital formats), and tighten rules on political donations to prevent foreign interference. The bill would also increase the Electoral Commission’s enforcement powers and introduce tougher penalties for abuse of election campaigners.

Read more:

• Giving 16-year-olds the vote: Will it beat far-right populism or does it play right into Farage’s hands?
• Votes at 16 is a victory for young people – but true democratic empowerment is still some way off
• From being understood to the price of Dr Pepper: Young people share their biggest issues

Ministers say that 16-year-olds – who can already work, pay taxes and join the military – should also have a say in decisions that affect their lives. But not everyone is convinced. Critics have raised questions about political literacy, voter influence and whether the move will meaningfully boost engagement.

So what do young people themselves think? We spoke to teenagers from across the UK – from OnSide Youth Zones to the Welsh Youth Parliament – about the possibility of casting their first vote. Some are confident. Some are uncertain. Some aren’t sure they’d vote at all. But all of them have something to say.

In their own words, this is what they told us.

Bryn, 17, Newport (Welsh Youth Parliament)

Having knocked on doors campaigning a year ago, I would today make good use of a vote in a general election. But my peers are not so sure. Made susceptible to narrow media rhetoric and sound-bite politics, many of my friends are either apathetic towards voting or disenfranchised, believing that no party has a definitive ‘answer’ to our problems. Such a decision would have to come hand in hand with a pledge to include apt education on political topics within the curriculum, helping to immerse younger people in the politics that affect them earlier.

Gabe, 16, London

In many ways, it is empowering. I feel as though the part in society I and many young people play is being recognised and I feel my values, my convictions, are being taken seriously in a way they haven’t before. But I think there are some gaps – like still requiring ID, which could be exclusionary for lots of people to engage in democracy and truly expand the electorate. But lots of people I know are disillusioned with political institutions, and it is the duty of the government and society at large to create a climate where civic engagement can grow.

Chloe, 18, Chorley (OnSide)

A lot of my friends wouldn’t vote as they don’t have much knowledge on politics and think that all parties are “as bad as each other”. A lot of my friends also see it as pointless as it’s “just one vote”. I would vote, though, as change needs to happen and it would be silly to waste an opportunity to have even a little bit of a say. I think it is a positive direction for young people’s voices to be heard and could result in significant improvement in support and services for us.

Morgan, 16, London

Adults get to make whatever stupid, dumb decisions they want, and then we have to deal with the consequences. So they vote for dumb shit, like saying, ‘Oh, trans women shouldn’t be recognised as women.’ I don’t know who voted for that. So it’s good now that we can finally vote and be proactive. And if young people are actually encouraged to get to know more about their country, they would actually be picking what’s good for their country, instead of just doing whatever their parents told them to do. It encourages independence, and I’m fucking glad that we’re finally able to have a voice.

Charlotte, 16, Wirral (OnSide)

The biggest issues I would like to see the government tackle would be the increasing worry of world conflict and the current climate situation. I think my friends would vote, and I think there will be a greater interest around politics for this age group going forward as young people now have a voice. I would definitely vote however, I feel like I am not educated enough around politics to vote right now as I’m unprepared. However, now I’m able to vote, I am going to do some research so that I am making an educated decision.

Yusuf, 16, Redbridge

I haven’t seen a major shift towards either party among my own peers, but I do understand why some young people are exploring alternatives. Where there’s a sense of being left behind or not heard, some will naturally look outside the mainstream. That’s why it’s so important for all political parties to take young people seriously – not just as voters of the future, but as people living through real challenges today. If the major parties don’t engage, they risk creating space for more polarised voices to fill the gap.

Jojo, 16, Wigan (OnSide)

I’m not very interested in politics and I never really follow it. I do think it’s a good idea though because obviously we are the future… I just don’t follow it. I’ve just sometimes not understood it, and I think some young people will get influenced by adults. My family follow, it but don’t talk to me about it – they never really have. I think it’s important young people get to vote; they just need to know more about it.

Riley, 15, Chorley (OnSide)

I’m the same as Jojo, I don’t really know much about politics, and I’d feel worried about making a choice at my age, especially with the pressure of exams at 16. But I like the idea of voting as it would amplify young people’s voices.

Ava, 17, Pontypridd (Welsh Youth Parliament)

I think some people may be quick to question whether young people are mature enough or have enough knowledge or experience to vote. However, this is not a reason to exclude us from politics. Youth parliaments, youth protests and youth-led groups have already proven that young people can be trusted and have a genuine passion for politics. As a result of countless debates in the sixth form common room with my friends, they too have an interest in politics. Many of them are very passionate about specific topics such as AI, party politics and other issues that shape society.

Bri, 16, London

If the vote was today, I wouldn’t vote – not because I’m not interested, but because I don’t think I know enough yet to make a proper, informed choice. I’d rather wait until I understand things better so I can actually stand by my vote. One issue I’d really like to see the government tackle is the housing crisis. As a 16-year-old who’ll be turning 17 and 18 soon, I’ve noticed that a lot of young people – especially from diverse households – are expected to move out around 18. But with the way things are right now, it’s almost impossible.

Alice, 18, Barnsley (OnSide)

I personally don’t agree with the change at the moment as I feel that at the age of 16, politics isn’t necessarily discussed or taught within schools and can lead to a lot of confusion if young people don’t fully understand. I was discussing this with my partner, and they made a good point that this is a generation that has been inspired by problematic people such as Andrew Tate. Most 16-year-olds will ask for advice from parents as well, but that’s a biased opinion. I’m surprised at how interested I’ve been in this topic.

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