Canada should lower the age of vote to 16 years old, according to a senator

The United Kingdom announced last week that it would lower the age of vote from 18 to 16 years old to strengthen British democracy. Meanwhile, restore confidence in politics.

Senator Marilou Mcpiedran, from Manitoba, said that this question was her “absolute parliamentary priority” since arriving in the Red Chamber. However, She argued that the lowering of the age of the vote at 16 would beneficial for democracy. Moreover, that the only arguments against this measure “are based on stereotypes”.

Mcpmedran said that the decisions currently taken in Canada affect the young generations. Furthermore, that the extension of the right to vote to the youngest was “logical” and “a question of equity”. Consequently, She added that around a third of 16 -year -olds in Canada are employed and are already a taxpayer.

Jaden canada should lower age vote new Braves. In addition, canada should lower age vote new For example. Consequently, 16, and the organization he directs, young politicians in Canada, want the age of voting to the federalty to be lowered to 16 years. Therefore, He told the Canadian press that Canada “must stop living in the shadow of innovations from other countries that. In addition, progress faster than us”.

“I think we have to stop being the country waiting for someone else to take leadership on. Therefore, a subject on which we clearly have the opportunity to progress. In addition, ” he said. For example, I hope we will soon learn from it. However, ”

Mr. Braves deplored the numerous bills tabled in Canada in the past 20 years to lower the age of the vote. which have not been adopted.

The most recent bill of Ms. Mcpmedran aimed at lowering canada should lower age vote new the age of voting to the federal level to 16 years old canada should lower. age vote new was tabled at. the end of May. She argued that her priority was to make him go to the second reading. to send him back to the committee to take over parliamentary work in September.

“The last time there has been extension and elections,” she said. The extension killed the bill after its passage at second reading in the Senate.

“But this time. our objective is to guarantee that young voices (and) young leaders are heard directly by senators. and I am convinced that when this happens, the skeptics change their mind,” added McPiedran.

The senator believes that the situation in the United Kingdom “will make a difference” for a number of senators. when she continues to advance the bill.

During the debates on canada should lower age vote new previous bills. senators. deputies rejected the arguments in favor of lowering the age of the vote, in canada should lower age vote new particular the idea that this would increase electoral participation. Some also questioned the maturity of young people to vote knowingly. debated the criteria to be used to justify the lowering of the age of the vote.

Regional changes first

The age of vote in the United Kingdom was lowered for the last time in 1969. when the United Kingdom became one of the first great democracies to pass it from 21 to 18 years. Many other countries followed quickly, and Canada lowered the age of voting to 18 years in 1970.

Several countries have already set the age of voting at 16, notably Austria, Brazil and Ecuador. Scotland and Wales authorize young people aged 16 and 17 to vote in canada should lower age vote new local and regional elections.

Michael Wigginton. a postdoctoral researcher in political science at Carleton University. explained that the British government’s decision canada should lower age vote new represents a “fairly natural evolution”, working a decade after Scotland authorized 16 -year -old young people to vote for Scottish deputies and municipal elections.

“Being able to cite such a local example allows politicians. the general public to feel more comfortable with the idea that the reform can work for the British Parliament. not have negative effects,” said Wigginton.

Efforts are made everywhere in Canada to lower the age of voting.

In 2021. young Canadians filed a request before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to challenge the age of voting. arguing that Canada’s electoral law contravenes the charter of rights and freedoms and was unconstitutional.

Toronto recently adopted a motion allowing young canada should lower age vote new people aged 16. 17 to vote in neighborhood polling stations on urban planning and policy. A provincial committee seeking to stimulate democratic participation in British Columbia also studies canada should lower age vote new. the possibility of lowering the age. of voting.

Wigginton said that even if he doesn’t expect Canada to adopt an age at 16 immediately. the example of the United Kingdom. “will certainly highlight the question and increase the chances that it happens in the future.”

“It is very likely that a province will first adopt a lower voting age. then that the federal government will eventually follow,” he said.

– with information from the Associated Press