THE ACT Greens will today (December 2) table a bill that would enable Canberrans aged 16 and 17 to vote in ACT elections.

The legislation is being put forward by Greens crossbencher Johnathan Davis and Greens democracy spokesperson Andrew Braddock and would see teenagers able to cast a vote in the next ACT government election.

The bill does not apply to federal elections.

“Empowering these Canberrans, many of whom are more engaged in politics than their parents or grandparents, will result in better, longer-term policies, and deeper engagement with young people on decisions that could affect the rest of their lives,” said Mr Davis.

As voting is mandatory in the ACT, the bill would also see 16 and 17-year-olds fined for not casting a vote.

In turn it also proposes to lower the fine for not voting from $20 to $10, and would waive fines for teenagers experiencing financial hardship.

The ACT Greens say they would much prefer young people to exercise their democratic right and not incur a fine in the first place.

The party has advocated for a lower voting age since 1996, with two inquiries in 2007 and 2019.

“Educational research shows that by 16, teens can process complex problems, imagine future consequences of actions and think abstractly,” say the Greens.

“We recognise this in our society by affording 16 year olds an array of new freedoms and rights, including getting a learners permit, consenting to medical and dental treatment, enlisting in the armed forces, consenting to have sex, and getting body piercings.”

“Sixteen-year-olds have told us that they are able to and enthusiastic about having a greater say in their society in this way.”

It’s expected the bill will go through a public inquiry process before being debated by the Assembly in 2022.

More information can be found here.

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