Politicians across Greater Manchester have wholeheartedly welcomed the news that 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote at the next general election.
A first for British politics in a general election, it has been dubbed a ‘seismic change’ which, it is hoped, will modernise UK democracy.
Ministers say this would deliver on one of Labour’s key manifesto commitments and help to restore trust in politics.
The move will mean 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.
It will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales. As part of the plans, detailed in its manifesto, the government is going further to make sure eligible voters are not deterred from voting.
It will expand voter rules to permit the use of UK-issued bank cards as an accepted form of ID at the polling station.
This will be implemented alongside more digital options to support voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format.
The plan, announced this week, was widely welcomed by all political parties across the Greater Manchester city-region.
Here is what some of them had to say about the news.
Angela Rayner, deputy Prime Minister and Ashton MP, said: “We are delivering on our promise to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote. Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military.
“It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.”
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