The change comes after Labour promised to lower the voting age in its manifesto last summer.
The change will mean that all 16 and 17 year olds across the UK can vote in local, regional and general elections.
Allowing young people to vote allows 9.5 million more people to vote in the next elections.
The last time the voting age was changed was in 1969 when it was reduced from 21 to 18.
The government believes the change will 'boost democratic engagement in a changing world, and help to restore trust in UK democracy'.
Deputy Prime Minister and Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner issued a statement in regards to the lowering of the voting age from 18 to 16: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.
“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16 year olds the right to vote.
“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”
Three men arrested on suspicion of rape of a child
Laurus Ryecroft launches groundbreaking engineering partnership with Mott MacDonald
Dogs Trust Manchester warns owners of Blue-Green Algae risk amid ongoing hot weather
Tameside woman offers lifeline to grieving pet owners with new bereavement counselling service
