The British government will lower the voting age to 16 for all elections.

"Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes, and serving in the military. It's only right that they have a voice on issues that affect them," said the government's number two, Angela Rayner, on X.

This change, which still needs to be approved by Parliament, will allow "more people to engage in British democracy," she added in a statement.

This new measure will allow 16-year-olds to vote in all elections, including the legislative elections scheduled for 2029.

Presented as a measure to "modernise British democracy", it was part of the electoral programme of Labour's Keir Starmer, who came to power in July 2024.

The reform should also allow voting by identifying oneself with a British credit card. Voters in the United Kingdom can already cast their ballot by presenting a passport, a driving license, a senior citizen travel card, and, since last year, a veteran's card.

"It is necessary to help as many people as possible to exercise their democratic rights," the government press release states.

According to Ms Rayner, "far too many people" have been put off by rigid "rules".

Turnout in last year's UK general election was 59.7%, the lowest since 2001.

To date, only a few countries allow 16-year-olds to vote in national elections. Among them is Austria, which was the first European Union country to lower the voting age to 16 in 2007.