Should we lower the voting age?

THERE hasn’t been a lot of coverage on this, which is surprising because a change in the minimum voting age has the potential to swing elections.

Historically, older voters have been more conservative, and younger voters more liberal (not the party, but the way of thinking).

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is currently holding public hearings into this proposal. “The passing of this Bill as proposed by the Greens would extend the franchise to 16 and 17-yearolds on a voluntary basis, and allow enrolment for 14 and 15-year-olds, and permit a provisional vote on election day for unenrolled citizens,” the committee said in a statement.

What do you think? Should we lower the voting age? Feel free to email your thoughts to the address below.