Do you think 16-year-olds should be given the vote, or is it too young?

27 Jul 2009
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The government is considering lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 years old, in a move which the coalition opposes.

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the voting age should be changed to 16

Jane - from Adelaide, Greenwith, 1 year

YES. it would give the goverment a wider range of knowledge through the ages.

No voting

Richard - from NSW, 2 years ago

This should be a communism no voting at all

16 Year old should not be allowed to vote

Connie - from Australia, 2 years ago

The voting age should NOT be changed to the tender age of 16. Sixteen year olds are miles too immature and would only vote for Gillard because they want her to be the face of Red Rooster 'It's gotta be red!' They would have pressure from their parents to vote for one person and if they didn't coulkd get in trouble. Most teens don't want to vote and don't really care who's in charge of the country. They would vote for one candidate more on stunts and mistakes rather than political reasons.

The voting age shouldn't be lowered

Lauren - from Australia, 2 years ago

No, I do not think that the voting age should be lowered because most 16 yr olds are still living with their parents and oblivious to what is heppening in politics at the moment.

16 yr olds should vote

jaxon - from perth wembley downs, 3 years ago

im 16 and i think that it’s a very good idea. 16 year olds can live on their own, pay taxes ( as many do ) and learn to drive. it’s not logical for us not to have any say in how our tax is spent and how we would like our country managed. i personally would have to say that the liberals would get my vote, which shows that young people dont just support the labor party and the greens. we should get a vote if this really is a democracy.

Mr

Caradak - from Melbourne, 3 years ago

Only taxpayers should be allowed to vote regardless of age.

16 year olds to vote

manforall - from ningi, 3 years ago

Never. Did you read the report about two 17 year old girls who attacked a police station because their 20 year old male friend was arrested. They have been charged and will appear in the CHILDRENS COURT!! Fancy them being given a vote.

16 year olds to vote?

manforall - from ningi, 3 years ago

No no no. [and don't let them drive cars either].
We 'mature' people cannot manage to elect a government that is not full of self serving politicians, how can we expect kids to?

Give youth the respect they deserve

Emily - from Adelaide, 3 years ago

I think its a brilliant idea.
It is so tragic that so many contributors to the forum are so negative about young people having a say.
Young folk have a lot more to deal with than previous generations, particularly in terms of employment, the environment, education and the global economy.
The sweeping generalisation that teens don't care is a really out of touch view.
The goverment happily takes their taxes so its only right that they can vote to have a say.

Of course

Johann Wyss - from Mackay, 3 years ago

Although many teenagers act immature alongside their peers they have intelligence at their age that far surpasses that of any previous generation.
If the voting was not compulsory, the only under 18s who would vote are those thoroughly interested in the future / politics of Australia.
Lets allow our children to participate in this democracy frankly they cant mess it up any more than the last generation.
Global warming, Illegal wars (Iraq), Torture and recession! How could they do any worse?

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