The History of the Right to Vote in the UK
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The right to vote in the UK, also known as franchise or suffrage, has expanded significantly over time.
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In the early 19th century, only a small number of wealthy men could vote. The Great Reform Act 1832 was the first change towards making the UK more representative.
It expanded franchise to include more men, however it still required property ownership.
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Further reforms in 1867 and 1884 gradually included more working-class men.
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The Representation of the People Act 1918 was the first instance of Women gaining the right to vote, although it was limited to those over 30 who met minimum property requirements.
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In 1928, women gained equal voting rights with men and in 1969 the voting age was lowered to 18 for everyone.
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Currently, the UK has somewhat universal suffrage for almost all citizens aged 18 and over, regardless of gender or socio-economic status.
However, some groups such as prisoners are still excluded from voting.
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The current UK government was elected with a manifesto commitment to lower the voting age to 16.
How Has Franchise/Suffrage Expanded?
- Due to the UK's uncodified constitution, franchise is able to evolve
- Key acts and years to remember:
- 1832 - Great Reform Act: Extended the vote to more men, especially in towns.
- 1867 - Second Reform Act: Included many urban working men.
- 1884 - Third Reform Act: Extended the vote to rural working men.
- 1918 - Representation of the People Act: All men over 21 and women over 30 (with property) could vote.
- 1928 - Equal Franchise Act: Equal voting rights for men and women at 21.
- 1969 - Voting age lowered to 18.
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The expansion of franchise is a key example of how the UK has become a more representative democracy over time.
