As legislation to lower the voting age to 16 begins its passage through Parliament, new interdisciplinary research co-led by the University of Nottingham, is providing timely and in-depth insight into how young people across the UK understand democratic engagement and the prospect of voting for the first time.
The Representation of the People Bill, introduced earlier this month, proposes allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote at the next general election. A small number of English councils will pilot alternative polling locations, such as train stations and supermarkets, during May's local elections to make voting more accessible. The government has said lowering the voting age will help engage young people and ensure their voices are heard.
Against this evolving policy backdrop, the project overview report, prepared by Dr Christopher Pich, Associate Professor in Marketing at Nottingham University Business School, is exploring young people's attitudes towards democratic participation and 'Votes at 16.'
Now that votes at 16 is set to become a reality, we need to ensure young people are equipped with impartial knowledge to help them make informed decisions at the ballot box. Our current research highlights there are many knowledge gaps, anxieties and concerns that could cause young people to disengage at the next election. The Government needs to ensure that the votes at 16 bill includes a package of support and new resources, co-developed with a range of stakeholder groups including young voters.
"A collaborative, cross-sector and interdisciplinary approach is vital to make votes at 16 a success. Further, this package of support will empower young people to become knowledgeable, confident members of society, which will serve them well as they embark on a lifetime of democratic engagement."
Supported by The Electoral Commission and granted full ethical approval, the study brings together 12 academics from across the University of Nottingham, London Metropolitan University, Lancaster University, Queen's University Belfast, the University of West of Scotland, the University of Leeds, Anglia Ruskin University, the University of West of England, and the University of Bristol.
A total of 120 schools and colleges across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and all regions of England have been recruited as project partners and more than 700 young people aged 14–16 are expected to participate between September 2025 and March 2026.
Emerging findings
Early findings from deliberative discussions and questionnaires show:
Strong awareness of proposals to lower the voting age.
Limited knowledge of voter registration, polling stations and ID requirements.
High intention to vote, but widespread apprehension about the responsibility.
Difficulty distinguishing between political parties and candidates; many could not name their local MP.
Heavy use of social media, but concerns about its reliability.
Clear demand for impartial, school-based political education to build confidence and understanding.
While many young people feel proud of their communities and are motivated to engage, they also report knowledge gaps and uncertainty about the voting process. Some indicated they might abstain if they did not feel sufficiently informed.
With debate continuing, the mixed-method study offers independent, UK-wide insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with extending the franchise to younger voters.
"Sustained democratic engagement is vital for a healthy, vibrant society. However, people need to remember that democratic engagement is more than simply voting in elections. Democratic engagement is the active and ongoing participation of citizens in the political process, aimed at shaping policies, influencing decisions, and holding representatives to account. It includes voting, campaigning, petitioning, volunteering, and engaging with government and political institutions at local, regional, and national levels to ensure that people's voices are heard beyond just election days," added Dr Pich.
Informing the national conversation
As Parliament debates the Representation of the People Bill and Councils pilot innovative voting locations, the research provides critical evidence on how young people themselves perceive these changes.
So far, the findings highlight both enthusiasm and uncertainty. Most participants said they would consider a range of political parties when voting for the first time, but emphasised the need for unbiased, comprehensive civic education to support informed decision-making.
Data collection continues to be gathered through March 2026, and further insights are expected. However, the academic team is confident that the study already offers valuable evidence to inform policymakers, educators and democratic institutions seeking to strengthen youth participation across the UK.
