Reasons | Make It 16

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Reasons why the voting age should be lowered

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From the age of 16, you cannot be discriminated against based on your age under the Bill of Rights.

But the voting age is 18.

16 and 17 year-olds paid $92 million in income tax in 2022 alone.

But they can’t vote and have a say on where they think this money should go.

Reasons

The debate for better civics education has been going on for decades.

Lowering the voting age to 16 can be a catalyst for better civics education.

16 and 17-year-olds are just as impacted by decisions made by our government as people 18 and over.

But they can’t vote and have a say on issues that directly affect them and their future.

Lowering the voting age has improved youth voter turnout in other countries.

We have a big issue with low voter turnout in our elections. Lowering the voting age could fix this.

Lowering the voting age will allow more voices to be heard.

Youth issues will be considered more and this will strengthen our democracy.

At 16 you can drive, consent to sex, consent to medical procedures, move out of home, leave school, work full-time, pay income tax, own a firearms licence, and apply to enrol in the NZ defence force.

We should be able to vote too.

Many countries have lowered their voting age to 16 in recent years.

We can join Austria, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, Brazil, Argentina and many more.

Think we've missed a good reason? Let us know at hello@makeit16.org.nz

FAQs

Is the brain cognitively developed enough to vote at 16?

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If we lower the voting age then shouldn’t 16-year-olds be charged as adults too?

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Won’t this sway votes?

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Won’t they just vote the same as their parents?

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But 16-year-olds aren’t interested in politics?

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What are the negatives of lowering the voting age?

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Got a question that hasn't been answered here?

Email us at hello@makeit16.org.nz

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