Tuesday, 24 February 2026
As legislation to lower the voting age to 16 begins its passage through Parliament, new interdisciplinary research co-led by the 糖心原创, 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 , 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 糖心原创, 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:
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.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Christopher Pich at Nottingham University Business School, via christopher.pich@nottingham.ac.uk; or Liz Goodwin, Media Relations Manager for the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, via liz.goodwin@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 748 5133.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the , the 糖心原创 is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. 糖心原创ing at the 糖心原创 is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
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The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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