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The U.K. will lower the voting age by two years to 16. This "seismic" change is part of reforms to give the electoral system more integrity. The first chance 16-year-olds will have to cast their vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people." It wants to restore public trust and "boost engagement in UK democracy".
There has been mixed reaction to the change. Supporters say 16-year-olds work and pay taxes, so they should have the vote. The UK prime minister said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on." The UK's deputy prime minister said young people serve in the military, so they should "have a say on issues that affect them". Critics say 16-year-olds cannot buy a lottery ticket, yet they will be able to vote.
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