The UK government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 ahead of the next general election.
Explaining the move, Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said it fulfilled a key pledge made by the government during the last election campaign.
She said the change would “help correct the wrongs imposed by the Conservatives, who brought in barriers that stopped thousands from voting in the last election.”
“It’s right that we’re making it easier to take part in our democracy, not harder,” she continued. “Young people, who already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military, will be given the right to vote on the issues that affect them.“
The decision has sparked mixed reactions both nationally and locally. Gi Grimsby News spoke to young people across the borough to hear their views.
Nineteen-year-old Luke, the former Young Conservative Lead for Brigg and Immingham, is unconvinced. He told Gi Grimsby News that while he sees the logic in aligning the rules with Scotland and Wales, he disagrees with the change “because 16 is too young.”
“A 16-year-old and an 18-year-old are two different people,” said Luke. “At 18, you have been living on your own, working, or attending university, and you can legally do everything.”
Josh, who was finishing at Toll Bar School during the General Election in 2024, said he would have liked to vote and feels it is “important that more young people are listened to.”
However, he added that “some young people are too dependent on their parents,” to be responsible and autonomous enough to vote.
Malakai told Gi Grimsby News that she strongly supports giving 16-year-olds the vote, saying she believes it will empower younger people.
“I work, pay insurance on my car, and I have the option to join the army, but I cannot vote,” she said. “Voting is an integral part of society. It allows you to influence the composition of politics. The power of the vote forces the government to care about the people’s views.”
Matilda, currently on a week’s work experience in Melanie Onn’s office, said: “Lowering the voting age will foster critical thinking and political awareness amongst young people. At 16, we are trusted to work, pay taxes, and make decisions about our futures. We deserve the right to vote and to shape the policies that affect our lives and help build a more representative democracy.”
Roy Horobin
Joined the Gi Grimsby News team in 2025.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.