Gen Z’s Demand for Lowering Australia’s Voting Age to 16 Gains Momentum

The push for a significant alteration in Australia’s voting system is gaining traction as young Australians, primarily from Generation Z, intensify their efforts to bring about change. Advocates are calling for the voting age to be lowered from 18 to 16, citing reasons such as tax-paying, driving privileges, and military service as indicators of readiness for enfranchisement.

Although discussions surrounding this issue have existed for some time, it is the current wave of Gen Z activists that is placing increased pressure on the government to take action. “Make It 16” stands as Australia’s inaugural youth-led campaign advocating for a lower voting age, aiming to grant over half a million 16 and 17-year-olds the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

The campaign highlights that Australia is lagging behind several other nations that have already implemented a lower voting age. Countries such as Scotland, Cuba, Brazil, Wales, and Austria are among the extensive list of nations that permit 16-year-olds to exercise their voting rights. Additionally, New Zealand, Canada, and Germany are well on their way to implementing a similar change.

Ravin Desai, an advocate from the Make It 16 campaign, emphasised that 16 and 17-year-olds shoulder numerous responsibilities akin to adults. During an interview with Channel 10’s The Project, he highlighted activities like driving, consenting to sex, consenting to medical procedures, and even enlisting in the army, which they can partake in. However, despite these responsibilities, they are excluded from having a say in political decisions that increasingly shape their lives.

Desai contends that the stability many 16-year-olds experience in Australia makes it an ideal age for voting eligibility. With most individuals still attending school and being in a stable environment, he believes it is the opportune time to familiarise them with the voting process and engage them in the political system. Notably, studies have indicated that 16-year-olds exhibit higher political engagement compared to 18-year-olds, who often undergo significant life changes.

The 17-year-old activist recently visited Canberra to advocate for support from politicians across party lines for lowering the voting age. He expressed that he had conversations with representatives from both sides of the government who recognized the significance of granting young people a “true voice.”