New Zealand’s voting age will be decided on in the coming months. Source: Shutterstock.
New Zealand will be looking to draft a bill that will lower the voting age to 16 after their Supreme Court found the current age was discriminatory.
The court found the current voting age of 18 amounted to age discrimination and that it has breached on the human rights of young people.
NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said her government will put a bill to parliament but that it would need 75 per cent support for it to be passed.
“It is our view that this is an issue best placed to parliament for everyone to have their say,” she said.
“I personally support a decrease in the voting age but it is not a matter simply for me or even the government.”
New Zealand is to debate lowering the voting age to 16 after the country's Supreme Court ruled the current age of 18 to be discriminatory https://t.co/6lTosF4sJF pic.twitter.com/9guAqZqx7t
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2022
Make it 16 has been a driving force behind the movement with their co-director Caeden Tipler saying it was a “huge step” in the right direction.
“We’ve known for a long time that a voting age of 18 is unjustified age discrimination and a human rights violation, but we’re excited to now have the court backing.”
Tipler says the hopes are high as politicians will soon be set to debate the bill in parliament.
“If they don’t [pass the bill], it will be gravely disappointing and letting down Rangatahi across the country.
“At 16, you can work part-time… in jobs that you’re paying tax on. You can consent, you can learn to drive- all these things means at 16 it makes sense as the voting age rather than 18.”
While there have been many people come out in support of the initiative, there have been others who are opposed.
Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon said that “It’s not something we support”.
“Ultimately, you’ve got to draw the line somewhere, and we’re comfortable with the line being 18.”
There are currently 11 countries that have a voting age of 16 including Brazil, Ecuador, Austria, Cuba, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malta, Nicaragua, Scotland, and Argentina.
It’s believed the vote in New Zealand will take place within the coming months.
