Expand voter ID to bank cards for next London Elections
The London Assembly has today welcomed Government plans to expand the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds.
Members also agreed that plans to create an automated voter registration system and to allow UK-issued bank cards to be used for voter ID purposes at polling stations, is a good idea for the 2028 Mayor of London and London Assembly elections.
Krupesh Hirani AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“The vote has been extended to 16- and 17-year-olds for the next General Election and this will engage young voters and allow them to have a say in their future.
“Young people in Scotland and Wales can vote for who represents them at the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. Let’s make sure young Londoners can make their voices heard in the 2028 Mayoral and Assembly elections”.
Caroline Russell AM, who seconded the motion, said:
“I have long championed votes at 16, and want to see it in place for the 2028 election.
“Young people are already leading the conversation on the climate, trans rights and everyday issues like the transport they rely on – they deserve a say in the decisions that affect them.
“If 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in the next General Election, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have that same right when choosing their Mayor and Assembly.
The full text of the motion is:
The London Assembly welcomes Government plans to expand the franchise to 16- and 17-year olds. By engaging voters early and allowing them to have a say in shaping their future, we will build the foundations for their lifelong participation in our electoral processes.
The Assembly further welcomes plans to create an automated voter registration system and to allow UK-issued bank cards to be used for voter ID purposes at polling stations.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor and the Chair to write to the Secretary of State for Local Government calling on the Government to ensure that these changes are in place for the 2028 Mayoral and Assembly elections in London.
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube
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Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed by 11 votes for and 8 votes against.
- Krupesh Hirani AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Alison Bell in the Assembly Media Office on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.