By the Numbers: Teens at the polls

16

The new minimum voting age in the United Kingdom under a July decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that awaits expected ratification by Parliament. While most democratic countries employ a minimum voting age of 18, some—including Argentina, Austria, and Brazil—permit younger voters. But even with the franchise, younger voters don’t always exercise their right.

1.6 million

The number of 16- and 17-year-olds living in the U.K. according to national statistics, compared with 48 million people who were eligible to vote in the most recent parliamentary elections.

13

The number of countries or territories, not counting the U.K., that permit 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all elections, according to UNICEF. The highest minimum voting age in the world is 25 in the United Arab Emirates.

37.3%

The share of eligible 18-year-old Americans who voted in the November 2024 U.S. election, compared with a turnout rate of 65.3% for the general public and 74% for voters age 75 and over, according to U.S. census data.