Our Future Our Vote: Lower the council voting age to 16

The South Australian Minister for Local Government, local South Australian council leaders, the Department of Education, and school principals

We call on the South Australian Minister for Local Government, local South Australian council leaders, the Department of Education, and school principals to empower young people age 16 and above with the right to vote in local elections and them with the knowledge to use that right effectively.

Why does this matter?
The voting age has changed throughout history and should continue to evolve to reflect the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of young people today. Young people contribute to their communities through school, work volunteering, and caring for others, yet they don't have a formal say in decision that affect their lives.

From transport routes and skateparks to waste services and community spaces, local council make decision that directly impact young people’s lives. Lowering the voting age to 16 in local council elections will give young people the right to have a voice in shaping their futures and ensure local decision are more inclusive and representative,

What young people have said:

  • "Let young people have a say in things that affect our community”
  • “(Councils should) …. come around to schools and see people and engage with the community on a personal level”
  • "Actually, ask what we want”
  • “Make political information taught more in school rather than an extracurricular thing. by educating students they can have a better understanding of what is going on in politics and what will affect them.”

What are we asking?

We call on South Australian Minister for Local Government, local council leaders, the Department of Education, and school principals to:

  • Lower the voting to 16 in local council elections -Young people contribute to their communities and deserve a say in the decision that affect them.
  • Refine and strengthen civic education in schools - embed clear, age appropriate curriculum that ensure every young people leaves school understanding how local, state, and federal government work, how decision are made, and how they can participate.
  • Bring councils into the classroom - arrange for local council member to visit schools so students know who represent them and how they can reach out.
  • Create youth-friendly resources in accessible formats:
    • A youth break down one page brochure or A4 poster with diagrams showing the roles of local councils, and examples od what people are voting.
    • Digital version for easy sharing and interactivity
  • Provide accessible, clear explanation of what councils do, and how voting shapes priorities, budgets, and services like waste, lighting, parks, and local roads.
It’s time to lower the voting age to 16 in local council elections.

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.

We believe that every person's story, image and voice is their own. We will only collect and use your personal information with your permission.

To: The South Australian Minister for Local Government, local South Australian council leaders, the Department of Education, and school principals
From: [Your Name]

Your petitioners request that the South Australian Minister for Local Government, local South Australian council leaders, the Department of Education, and school principals to empower young people and lower the voting age to 16 for local government elections in South Australia.

It is essential that young people's voices are heard and that their input is meaningfully included in local decision-making processes. Local government is the closest level of government to communities and an ideal starting point to support young people's participation in Australia's democracy from a younger age.

The voting age had evolved throughout history and should continue to do so to reflect the increasing roles, responsibilites, and expectations places on young people today. Young people deserve the right to have a say in the decision that directly impact their lives, communities, and futures. Lowering the voting age in local elections offers an important opportunity to make democracy fairer, enhance civic education, affirm young people's right, and strengthen their active participation in issues that affect them every day.