Reforms to lower the voting age to 16 are gaining momentum internationally and raise important questions about democratic participation, equity, human rights and the nature of enfranchisement. While support for lowering the voting age varies across political parties and stakeholder groups, emerging evidence from political research and countries that have already enacted such reforms is further informing the debate. 

This policy brief outlines the context, international cases, arguments for and against, and the Australian context.

Key points

• A Greens-backed bill to lower the voting age to 16 was debated in 2018. A parliamentary inquiry recommended not passing the bill.
• Several countries have lowered the minimum voting age to 16, including Argentina, Austria, and Brazil.
• The United Kingdom government has announced an intention to lower the voting age to 16. It is currently 16 for some elections in Scotland and Wales.
• Arguments both for and against lowering the voting age encompass principles of equity, human rights, maturity, participation, and also include political reasons.
• The Australian context of compulsory voting adds another dimension to the issue. Advocates for lowering the voting age are split as to whether voting should be optional or compulsory for 16- and 17-year-olds.