More renters to vote in next election after voting age lowered

16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in the next general election, meaning a greater number of renters will be able to have their say.

The reforms will bring in automated voter registration, with the stated aims of reducing barriers to democracy and reducing voter registration gaps. It should make it easier for registrations to be updated when people move.

The proposed changes are part of a new Elections Bill, which will pass through parliament ahead of the next general election, which is likely to take place in 2029.

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “We welcome the government’s clear commitment to strengthen our ability to vote in elections. 

“Private renters, often forced to move home several times between elections, are among the most at risk of falling off the electoral register. For the sake of our democracy, therefore, it is vital we remove barriers to voting for renters.

“Automatic Voter Registration will keep the vast majority of renters on the electoral register even as we move, protecting the opportunity for millions more voters to have their say.”