The British government’s decision to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 has prompted Canadian Senator Marilou McPhedran to advocate for similar changes in Canada. She views the voting age reduction as a means to enhance democracy and instill trust in the political system. According to McPhedran, the rationale against lowering the age seems rooted in outdated stereotypes. She emphasizes that young Canadians are already contributing to society as taxpayers and that their voices should be acknowledged in shaping the future. The senator has made this proposal a priority, advocating for younger generations who are affected by current decisions made by lawmakers.
Sixteen-year-old Jaden Braves, leading the organization Young Politicians of Canada, echoed McPhedran’s sentiments, stressing that Canada should not lag behind other nations that embrace progressive policies. He lamented the trend of introducing bills to lower the voting age that have subsequently failed to pass. Braves believes it is crucial for Canada to innovate politically rather than follow the lead of other countries. His organization aims to gain support for proposals that resonate with younger constituents, emphasizing the need for a political system that reflects their views.
McPhedran introduced her most recent bill to lower the voting age at the end of May, expressing her intention to push it to a committee during the next session of Parliament. Past efforts were stymied by prorogation, which halted the bill’s progress. However, McPhedran remains optimistic that engaging young leaders directly in the parliamentary process will garner support from skeptical senators. She believes that the recent developments in the UK may help sway opinions within the Senate, reinforcing the movement to elevate the voting age in Canada.
While proponents argue that lowering the age could boost voter turnout and civic engagement, some senators and MPs remain cautious. They express concerns regarding the maturity of younger voters and debate the standards for determining voting eligibility. Nonetheless, McPhedran’s push is fueled by a growing momentum. Previous instances of countries successfully lowering their voting age, like Scotland, provide a framework within which Canadian politicians might evaluate such reforms without fear of unintended negative consequences.
Historically, the voting age in the UK was first lowered in 1969 from 21 to 18, which influenced other democracies, including Canada, that reduced their voting age in 1970. Countries like Austria, Brazil, and Ecuador have already implemented a voting age of 16, and regions like Scotland and Wales also recognize the voting rights of 16- and 17-year-olds at local levels. This growing global trend raises the question of whether Canada can afford to maintain its current voting age and may prompt consideration of similar reforms.
Current efforts across Canada include legal challenges to the voting age, with young Canadians asserting that it is unconstitutional to deny them this right, citing violations of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Moreover, progressive moves have been made at local levels, like in Toronto, where 16- and 17-year-olds can vote on local planning issues. Political scientist Michael Wigginton believes the UK’s recent changes will draw more attention to the voting age debate in Canada. He suggests that provinces may take the lead on this issue, potentially encouraging a supportive move at the federal level in the future.
