The Children’s Commissioner supports the extension of the franchise to 16-year-olds. Extending voting rights to children not only gives them a tangible say in the democratic process, but also has the potential second order impact of ensuring greater consideration of children in the decision making of political parties by providing a greater incentive for them to do so.
The Commissioner has long been concerned about the voices of children in the democratic process, and it is her duty under the Children and Families Act 2014 to promote the views and interests of children. As noted in the Children’s Commissioner’s report The Big Ambition: ‘Without the proper structures in place to consult with [children], it means when it comes to elections, manifestos, promises from their local MPs or councillors, their opinions are too easily ignored.’[1]
As part of her ongoing work to protect and promote the rights of children and ensure that their voices are heard, the Children’s Commissioner will be conducting the third mass survey of children of her time in office: The Big Future. This will be launching on May 8th, 2026, and she will be conducting interviews with children across the length and breadth of England to ensure their views are fully represented in her advocacy and policy work. This survey will, for the first time, be asking specific questions regarding preparedness to vote, and will ensure that future engagement from the Children’s Commissioner regarding young people and voting will be more fully representative of the views of England’s children.
[1] Children’s Commissioner for England, The Big Ambition, 2024, available at: The Big Ambition | Children’s Commissioner for England
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