Green Party leader looks to lower provincial voting age to 16

For the third time in his career, B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has introduced a bill to try and reduce the provincial voting age to 16.

In a statement, the Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA argued that young British Columbians should be able to have a say in political decisions that impact them.

He referenced countries like Scotland, Argentina, Austria and Brazil that already allow 16 year olds to vote, and how this lower voting age has encouraged more political participation overall.

“Young citizens of British Columbia are old enough to drive, pay taxes and sign up for the military. They are also the leaders of tomorrow,” says Weaver.

“They should have a say in the direction we are heading, as they will inherit what we leave behind. B.C. should take this chance to strengthen our democracy and lower the voting age to 16.”

Click here to sign the petition to support lowering the legal voting age in BC to 16.

Add your name: Give 16-year olds the vote. They are the leaders of tomorrow and must live with the consequences of the decisions we make today. #bcpoli https://t.co/ahm4dCD2RP

— BC Green Party (@BCGreens) March 13, 2018

Mixed reviews on Twitter

While some people agree with Weaver’s initiative, others have reservations about letting children participate in the voting system, especially those who are not fully informed about politics.

https://twitter.com/ClintEndacott/status/973627044964651008

https://twitter.com/ngdale/status/973641166380920832

https://twitter.com/phouse123/status/973642396654161920

That's a terrible idea. Most kids have no idea what they are doing at that age. Politicians like lowering age limits as kids can be brainwashed easily. If anything the voting age should be raised to an age where kids have worked for a few yrs & are more aware of realities #bcpoli

— ???????? The ONLY chance for Freedom is #Pierre4PM (@SaveRHomes) March 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/MikeSoron/status/973633925477154821

While I appreciate getting youth involved in politics, 16 is way too young. Vast majority make zero contribution through taxes so should no say on policies impacting spending.

— Mike in the Valley (@mikeinthevalley) March 13, 2018