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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Sammy Gecsoyler

Join the army, work full-time … and now vote: what 16-year-olds can do in the UK

United Kingdom
Three female junior soldiers are in the foreground of the picture carrying rifles during a parade
Junior soldiers from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The young recruits learn survival skills and are paid above the minimum wage. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Turning 16 opens up a whole suite of exciting new freedoms. Now, those celebrating their baby steps into adulthood in the UK have another thrilling task for their to-do lists: heading to the voting booth.

Thursday marked one of the largest changes to the country’s democratic system in recent times after Labour announced the voting age would be lowered to 16 before the next general election.

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