MP Taylor Bachrach tables bill to lower voting age to 16

The concept has been brought forward many times in the past and not just by NDP members.

Bachrach says now is the time to give younger people a voice at the polls.

“By allowing 16 year olds to vote, we help young people form voting habits while they’re still in school. This is a time when because they’re in school, we can register voters, we can share information about the voting process with the hope that those habits stay with them throughout their lives.” said Bachrach.

Political analyst Chris Beach says that in the past few elections, voter turnout has continued to go down. A move like this would help increase those numbers but also help smaller parties like the NDP.

“Allowing younger people to vote, maybe changing the system would help smaller parties like the NDP, like the green party, actually get the seats that they deserve.” said Beach.

He adds however that a move like this could also work against the party.

“You don’t want to assume that every young voter is going to be am NDP or Liberal voter and they won’t. Some will vote green, some will vote conservative.” said Beach.

Among highschool students; the reactions are mixed. Citing that while it’s a good idea to give them a voice, some may not take it seriously or fully understand the importance of voting.

“It’s really hard where that decision falls, but I do think that 16-year-olds and the youth of today should have a right to say and express their opinions, publicly in a way, that can make an impact.” said Grade 12 student Olivia.

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea to lower the voting age. I just think we need to take into consideration people that will see it as a joke. But I think it’s great considering the young people’s voices. It is their future, I feel like a lot of us have great ideas.” said Grade 12 student Kristin.

Beach says that NDP candidates usually win inside school mock elections, but at the polls, it may be a different story.

“But what happens when those young voters get to the voting booth. Do they not vote? Do they change their minds? It’s interesting because it’s now the NDP that are proposing allowing younger people to vote, so it’d be interesting to see if they get all of that.” said Beach.

To critics, Bachrach says that there are more potential young voters than one might think.

“I know lots of young people that are intelligent, that are caring, that are compassionate, and empathetic, and that want to be involved. They want to be involved in the decisions that determine the future that they’re going to inherit.” said Bachrach.

by Oli Herrera

MP Taylor Bachrach tables bill to lower voting age to 16

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