Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP introduces bill to lower voting age

NORTHERN BC- Taylor Bachrach has tabled bill C-210, a new Private Member’s Bill to lower the voting age to 16 for federal elections. “The Right to Vote Act” builds on the NDP’s initiatives to enfranchise Canadian youth and improve voter turnout.

“The decisions our country faces today have tremendous bearing on young people,” said the Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP. “With the ongoing global pandemic, worsening climate change and growing economic inequality, young people’s future is at stake. They deserve to be at the table and this bill will put them there.”

Wales and Scotland have lowered their voting age to 16. As part of a coalition agreement reached last month, the new government of Germany has committed to doing the same. The bill will be moving forward in the coming months, as Bachrach will be reaching out to other parties for support. According to Bachrach, at least three parties have tabled versions of the bill in past Parliaments.

“This bill is not just about empowering the voices of young people but also strengthening our democracy,” added Bachrach. “As we can see around the world, democracy is fragile. Turnout in Canadian elections continues to be the lowest among young people. If more people get involved in politics and feel their voices are reflected in Parliament, our country will be stronger. Lowering the voting age contributes to that goal.”