Bill actually makes case to Keep It 18

Jason Heale, Maxim Institute

The voting age is once again causing a stir. Last week, a new bill was introduced into Parliament that seeks to allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. The issue remained dormant for a few months after the Supreme Court noted that not allowing 16-year-olds the right to vote was “inconsistent with the Bill of Rights”. Now it’s back for debate.

But while Make It 16 supporters see this as an opportunity to achieve their stated goal, the bill might be said to be arguing strongly for the status quo. This bill proposes a new category of voters called “youth electors”. While these “youth electors” could vote in local body elections, they would not be able to vote on community boards, alcohol licensing boards, or sit on juries. In other words, it’s still differentiating between voters aged 18 and those younger.

In Maxim Institute’s recent research paper — Unlocking Democracy: How should we determine our electorate? — we’ve looked in detail at each of the arguments for allowing 16-year-olds to vote. In the view of Marcus Roberts, the paper’s author, none of them are sufficiently powerful to justify a change in the law.

For example, one argument for extending voting rights to 16-year-olds is based on their possession of other rights at that age. In fact, the age of majority varies across New Zealand’s legal system, and many rights are only accessible at 18 (for example, getting married without the Family Court’s approval).

Moreover, while evidence from other countries on increased voter turnout and engagement is mixed, studies have shown that civic education is vital for preparing young people for their role as citizens, regardless of the voting age.

It is also essential to consider the ongoing development of the human brain, which continues well into an individual’s mid-20s. Some would argue it takes even longer with men. As such, it is possible that 16-year-olds, still in the earlier stages of brain development, may be more susceptible to peer (and parental) pressure and not fully comprehend the long-term implications of their decisions.

Internationally, the consensus is that 18 is the most suitable (although still arbitrary) age for voting eligibility. By the time an individual is 18, they will have completed their secondary education and begun transitioning into a more adult phase of their life.

The Make It 16 supporters believe engaging young people in politics is essential, but there are other ways to do this. Why not encourage youth involvement in specific issues or to submit ideas to parliamentary committees? Political involvement is much more than merely voting every three years.

One thing’s sure: the current bill won’t pass before this Parliamentary term ends. Whether it will be reinstituted again depends on the election result. Something else is certain: calls for lowering the voting age won’t disappear.