The British government has announced a [leveraging / lowering] of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the [current / currency] age at which a person can [paste / cast] their vote. This "seismic" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the [elect / electoral] system greater integrity, while [including / inclusive] more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their [right / left] to vote will be in the UK's next [generally / general] election. The government said: We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is [bit / fit] for the 21st century. By extending the vote to younger people, we are taking a [generating / generational] step forward in restoring public trust and [boasting / boosting] engagement in UK democracy."
There has been [mix / mixed] reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend [what / that] 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed [to / for] vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say [that / what] you want your money spent [on / in] ." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, [payment / paying] taxes and serving in the [militia / military] . It's only right they can have a [say / speak] on the issues that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some [point / finger] to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's [concert / consent] , but they will be able to vote.
