Young people in South Australia are calling on the South Australian Government to lower the local government voting age to 16.

Young people deserve the right to have a say in the decisions that impact their lives and futures, and a crucial way to do this – which young people are currently excluded from – is at the ballot box. Electoral reform to lower the voting age would see Australia join many countries around the world that have already lowered the voting age to 16 years.

Local government elections are a sensible place to start electoral reform as voting in them is optional, so young people who feel ready are able to vote, while those who do not can wait. As 16 is an age at which many young people are still at school, schools can play a critical role in supporting young people to learn about local government processes and voting, helping them to feel ready and promoting strong civics engagement.

The voting age has changed throughout history, and should continue to evolve to reflect the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of young people today. Arguments against lowering the age tend to imply that voting requires a certain level of knowledge, maturity, and judgment, however such a standard is rarely applied to adult voters.

Lowering the voting age is an opportunity to make democracy fairer, improve civics education, recognise young people’s rights and strengthen young people’s participation in issues affecting them. It is important that young people’s voices are being heard, and that input from young people is included in decision making.

Show your support!
Sign the petition to call for the South Australian Government to support all South Australian schools to lower the local government voting age to 16.