What is the voting age in the UK?

The voting age in the UK is 18 years old, which is the legal minimum age for individuals to participate in a general election or referendums. This age is established in the Representation of the People Act 1985, which applies to both local and national elections. By setting the voting age at 18, the UK aligns with many other democratic nations that recognize this age as a threshold for adult responsibilities and rights, including the right to vote.

Younger ages such as 16 or 21 do not reflect the established legal framework for voting in the UK. Although there are discussions about lowering the voting age to 16 in certain contexts—like local elections in some areas—the overall national requirement remains at 18. Therefore, understanding that the voting age is set at 18 is crucial for grasping electoral rights and responsibilities within the UK.