Voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election

The government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 by the next general election. This move is part of a broader set of changes to the electoral system. In addition to the reduced voting age, the proposed reforms include expanding the list of accepted voter ID documents to include bank cards. The government also intends to introduce automatic voter registration, streamlining the process for eligible citizens to be added to the electoral roll. These changes are aimed at increasing voter participation, particularly among younger demographics. Proponents argue that lowering the voting age will empower young people and encourage early civic engagement. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the maturity and political awareness of 16-year-olds. The reforms are set to be implemented before the next general election, which is scheduled to take place within the next two years. The changes are likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape and the composition of the electorate.