Why 16-Year-Olds Should Be Allowed to Vote

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1. 01Why 16-Year-Olds Should Vote

   Good afternoon. I'm sixteen, and I'm a member of my city's youth council in Ottawa. I can work part-time and pay tax on my wages, but I can't vote in national elections. Today, I'll argue that sixteen-year-olds should be allowed to vote.

2. 02It's Already Happened

   This isn't just an idea. In 2007, Austria became the first country in the European Union to lower the voting age to sixteen for all elections, from local to national to European.

   Sources: Eva Zeglovits, "Lowering the Voting Age to 16: What Other Countries Can Learn From Austria," Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS); Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parline: Austria, data on youth

3. 03Reason 1: Decisions Affect Us Most

   My first reason is that today's decisions affect young people the longest. Climate policy, education, and housing will shape our lives for decades. It seems unfair that we have no say.

4. 04Reason 2: Better Habits Start Early

   Second, voting is a habit. At sixteen, most of us still live at home and go to school, where teachers can explain how voting works. Starting then could help young people build the habit.

5. 05Reason 3: We Already Have Responsibilities

   Third, many sixteen-year-olds already have adult responsibilities. We work, we pay tax, and we choose subjects that decide our future careers. If we're trusted with these decisions, why not with a vote?

6. 06"They're Not Mature Enough"

   Critics say sixteen-year-olds aren't mature enough. But we don't test adults before they vote. Some adults are very informed, and some aren't. Age alone isn't a perfect measure of good judgment.

7. 07What Would Help

   Of course, lowering the voting age should come with better civic education, so young voters understand parties, policies, and how to check information.

8. 08Conclusion

   In conclusion, Austria has shown that voting at sixteen is possible. If we want young people to care about democracy, let's invite them in earlier. Thank you.

   Source: Eva Zeglovits, "Lowering the Voting Age to 16: What Other Countries Can Learn From Austria," Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS)