Local Lib Dem councillors have welcomed the Government’s plans to reduce the voting age to 16 by the end of the year.
Government sources have confirmed that MPs will begin voting on the plans to give voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds in the spring, paving the way for an extra 1.5million potential voters on the electoral roll.
Locally, this could mean that 16 and 17-year-olds could vote in Milton Keynes City Council’s all-out elections in May 2026.
Lib Dem councillors have long championed voting rights for 16-year-olds and actively campaigned for greater youth involvement in local government.
In September last year, the Lib Dems brought a motion to Council urging the city’s three Labour MPs to fulfil their party’s pledge to reduce the voting age for all local and national elections
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Shadow Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Sophie Bell, said:
“I gladly welcome the news the Government are moving forward with plans to give 16-year-olds the vote. At 16, young people already have many adult rights and responsibilities, so it’s crucial they have a say in elections that will directly impact their future.”
Currently, 16-year-olds in England can get a full-time job, pay taxes, spend money that benefits the local economy, get married, and join the Armed Forces, yet they are still denied the vote.
Meanwhile, 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland and Wales already have the option to vote in local elections.
Longstanding Councillor Sam Crooks, who represents Broughton, added:
“Nearly a decade ago, we put forward a motion in favour of giving 16-year-olds the vote, so it’s fantastic to see plans finally going ahead. This is something very close to our hearts as we have always fought to strengthen young people’s involvement in democracy. Not only through MK Youth Council, but also by securing the appointment of Milton Keynes’ first ever Youth Mayor. As we move towards our plans for 2050, young people should be at the forefront of decision-making to shape the future of our city.”
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