Our democracy needs young people who are interested and involved in making the country better. Perhaps we can entice more of them by lowering the voting age.
Toronto Liberal MPP Arthur Potts has introduced a private member’s bill in the Ontario legislature to lower the voting age to 16 from 18 for provincial elections. Although such bills rarely pass, some observers think Potts is running it up the flagpole because Premier Kathleen Wynne is considering adding it to the party’s campaign platform.
It’s not as offbeat an idea as it might sound. Sixteen is the voting age in Brazil, Austria and Argentina. Teens can drive at 16, which requires a certain amount of judgment.
While the common disdain for the current crop of politicians is overblown, fresh ideas and ideals would breathe new life into the public business.
Even if teenagers don’t run for office in great numbers, a lower voting age might encourage more of them to join parties and add their thoughts to the formation of new policy.
It would open opportunities for teachers to engage them in issues, knowing they can walk from the classroom to the polling station. Civics education, which badly needs improvement, would receive new impetus.
Today’s young people face humanity’s most uncertain future in generations. The world and their place in it are changing faster than at any point in history. They deserve a voice in shaping that future, and the sooner they start, the better.
