SIXTEEN and 17-year olds are to get the right to vote in the next general election under reforms unveiled by ministers today.

The change is part of a package of measures billed by the government as strengthening democracy.

Voter ID requirements are to be retained by Labour, but bank cards will now be included as admissible identification at polling stations.

There will also be new rules to guard against foreign interference in elections after concerns were raised that billionaire Elon Musk might donate $100 million to hard-right Reform UK, using a loophole in existing legislation.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.   

“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”      

The newly enfranchised young people will have the right to vote in all elections in future, although polling suggests that many are not showing much interest in doing so.

The change to donor rules aims to plug a loophole which allowed foreign donors to fund parties through UK-registered companies.

Measures to tackle the harassment and abuse of candidates for office will also be included in the Bill.

Democracy minister Rushanara Ali said: “The reforms will crack down on these unacceptable practices, delivering tougher sentences for those who intimidate campaigners and stronger protections for candidates in public life by removing the requirement for their home address to be published and openly available.”