Britain will lower the voting age from 18 to 16 before the next national election as part of measures to increase democratic participation, the government announced Thursday. The centre-left Labour Party pledged this reform before winning power in July 2024.

Scotland and Wales already allow 16-17 year-olds to vote in local elections. Britain joins countries like Ecuador, Austria, and Brazil with voting age 16.

The reforms include tightening campaign financing rules, automatic voter registration, and allowing bank cards as polling station ID. Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali said changes would strengthen safeguards against foreign interference.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized breaking down participation barriers after 2024's 59.7% turnout - the lowest in two decades. Parliament must approve the changes before the next election by 2029.