(NewsNation) — The British government has said it would reduce the nationwide minimum voting age from 18 to 16, its first change in more than 50 years. Could the United States follow suit?

A 1969 law in the United Kingdom dropped the voting age from 21 to 18. Similarly, legislation in the U.S. followed suit in 1971, with the 26th Amendment.

On Thursday, the British government said its move to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote increases democratic participation. Additionally, 16-year-olds are able to work, pay taxes and join the military in Britain.

A law would need to be passed to make the plans official, but the Labour Party, which supports the plan, controls one house in Parliament and is likely to move forward. The change would take effect in the next election, which is in 2029.

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