A member of ontario proposes to lower the legal age to vote to 16 years

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QMI agency

Monday, march 5, 2018 15:28

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Monday, march 5, 2018 15:28

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A liberal mp from Ontario wants to introduce a bill in order that his province become the first in the country to grant the right to vote to young people from the age of 16 years.

“I believe they are fully capable of making an informed choice by voting for a party,” suggested Arthur Potts, during a press conference relayed by the “Toronto Star” on Monday.

To justify his proposal, the mp said that young people already have responsibilities at the age of 16 years, whether working or obtaining a driving licence. By doing this, they should also have their say by voting for the policies that are more challenging, said Mr. Potts, by giving the example of climate change, which will affect more young people than elders.

The lowering of the legal age to vote could also encourage young people to participate in the electoral process, by creating a habit and getting them to discuss school policy, argued the mp. Only 51.3% of eligible voters have exercised their right to vote in 2014 in Ontario, he recalled.

Mr. Potts acknowledged that he will not have time to file his bill before the general election to be held in June, but he has promised to go ahead with his project as soon as next fall if he is re-elected.