YOUNG DEMOCRATS BACK CALLS TO GIVE VOLUNTARY VOTE TO 16-18 YEAR OLDS
The Young Australian Democrats have backed calls to lower the voting age to 16, and will lobby the Special Minister for State Joe Ludwig to follow through with the reforms.
“Young people have been calling for the voting age to reflect modern day responsibilities for years” said Young Australian Democrats National President Sandy Biar.
“Many young people have all the responsibilities of adults – they work, pay taxes, maintain a car, pay rent and actively participate in their communities.
“Yet they’ve been barred from contributing towards decision making that will affect them both now and into the future, quite likely even more than what it will effect older generations who have the vote.
“This is not about giving the future a vote, it’s about acknowledging that young people are contributing to society and effected by decision making now.
“Voluntary voting from age 16 would strengthen our democratic culture by encouraging young people to enrol sooner. Currently around 25% of Australia’s under -25s aren’t enrolled to vote, so the sooner we can get the message across that their vote counts and makes a difference the better” said Mr Biar.
Contact:
Mr Sandy Biar
National President of the Young Australian Democrats
sandy.biar@sa.democrats.org.au
