Our young Aussies are banding together to call on the government to lower the voting age to 16, they demand a voice to be heard and a vote.

Daily, the government's choices affect everyone, even those under 18, in distinctive and meaningful ways. The 16 and 17-year-olds of our generation are increasingly involved in politics, seeking a voice in decisions shaping our lives and future. Unfortunately, politicians disregard them due to their inability to vote.

By 16 we can work full time, pay income tax, serve in the army, drive a car, get married and be charged with criminal offences. Our youth have the right and the capacity to be heard, to shape policies that affect our lives, and to be an integral part of our democracy.

Reducing the voting age recognizes the national and global crises that young people are confronting and will inherit. Whether it's the climate emergency, housing, or education, the youth are already facing these challenges firsthand and disproportionately.

Thriving democracies rely on increased participation. Throughout history, extending voting rights—from men without property to women, Indigenous communities, and 18-21 year olds in the 1970s—has consistently bolstered democracy. Extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds in Australian elections and referendums will similarly enhance civic engagement and democratic strength.

Many other countries like Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Scotland and Wales have already lowered the voting age to 16, and New Zealand, Canada and Germany are following their lead. It’s now Australia’s turn.

Fusion supports lowering the option to vote to 16 years, while the obligation to vote would not begin till 18 years. Electoral education and civics would also be introduced to the high school curriculum to help our youth make educated and informed decisions.

https://www.fusionparty.org.au/policy_faq

https://www.makeit16.au/

#AustraliaVotes #Fusion #FusionParty #AusPol #Voting #Education #Youth #MakeIt16 #Democracy #Australia

Anyone know where the Electoral (Lowering Voting Age for Local Elections and Polls) Legislation Bill is up to in the legislative process? I tried a few web searches but couldn't find anything more recent than September.

#Aotearoa #NZ #NZPolitics #MakeIt16

Campaign kicks off to lower Australian compulsory voting age to 16
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-13/lowering-the-voting-age-to-16/102473606
Young people aged 16 and 17 have the same cognitive ability as older Australians and should have the same right to vote, according to a group of federal MPs.

Young people aged 16 and 17 have better cognitive ability than most LNP politicians, according to @BinChicken .

#AusPol #MakeIt16

@marksibly @esoterica
They were polling 14% under Meteria. When you only pull 8-14% of the vote, there's no point in refusing to play with others. That would see them marginalised as a purely back bench party.

With the climate crisis finally coming into everyone's focus, I'd like to see a greater Green vote this election. I'd also like to see the voting age lowered to 16 because they're the people who'll have to deal with the worst of what's ahead.

#MakeIt16 #NZGreens #ClimateCrisis

Relevant to current events in #nzpol, our cowardly politicians yet again ignoring the pleas of the young and folding to the desires of those who caused all the problems we now face.

#MakeIt16

Labour are just Tories with another name.