Calls to lower voting age to 16

27 July 2009 | 07:21:07 AM | Source: SBS staff and agencies

A teenager plays on his Nintendo Wii (Getty)

People as young as 16 could be given a voluntary right to vote, under changes to be unveiled by the Rudd government. (Getty)

People as young as 16 could be given a voluntary right to vote, under changes to be unveiled by the Rudd government.


Special Minister of State Joe Ludwig said the government would raise the issue later this year.

The move comes more than 35 years after the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 and is set to spark strong views from all sides of politics.

"The Rudd Government is committed to reforming and modernising Australia's electoral system," Senator Ludwig said.

"While noting there are alternative mechanisms that enable young Australians to have a voice, this issue will be addressed in the second green paper."

Youth Action and Policy Association executive officer Reynato Reodica welcomed the idea.

"This is something that for a long time young people have been asking for," he said.

"Young people contribute to our society, they are part of the working population and they have something to add to the public debate around issues that affect their lives."
 

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