A bunch of experts have proposed lowering the voting age in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to 16.
Change the voting age would be “very positive for democracy”
30 academics and advocates, in a submission to a parliamentary committee examining legislation, said that the change would be “very positive for our democracy,” as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Associate professor at the Australian National University (ANU) College of Law and the submission’s lead author, Faith Gordon, believes that lowering the voting age would increase voting rates in the ACT.
In an interview with the local media on Monday, she said “There is a ton of international evidence demonstrating that lowering the voting age and expanding suffrage to young people can be extremely beneficial to democracies.”
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In all eight Australian states and territories, the voting age is currently 18.
The Electoral Amendment Bill 2021 would reduce it to 16 in the ACT, with those who do not vote to face a fine of A$40 ($28).
Gordon believes that raising the voting age in the ACT could lead to other jurisdictions following suit.
“Reducing the voting age to 16 extends basic citizenship, democratic, and human rights to more young people,” she explained.
She added that reducing the voting age would also align with the values of fostering an inclusive society by encouraging youth participation and recognizing their right to be heard in all matters affecting their lives.
The Australia Institute, a think tank, proposed that voting be made voluntary rather than mandatory for those under the age of 18.
The committee is expected to submit its report on the bill by March 3rd before it is sent to the ACT Parliament.
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