paul mallett strongly supports the proposal to lower the voting age in Australia to 16 years. paul believes such a move would widen our representation, strengthen our democracy, improve civic life, and better reflect young people’s stake in the future.

Furthermore, paul believes:

• Young people have a stake in decisions. 16- and 17-year-olds are affected by policies on education, climate, jobs, housing — they should have a say in shaping them.
• It will build lifelong civic engagement. Voting early helps develop the habit of participating in democracy — studies show people who vote in their teens are more likely to keep voting.
• It will encourage civic education. Schools can teach voting skills in real life: how to enrol, how elections work, how to evaluate information.
• 16 year old work and pay taxes. Many young people already have part time jobs and pay income tax — so they should have representation and have a say in where those taxes are spent.
• It aligns with other responsibilities. At 16, young people can learn to drive, work, and consent to medical treatment.
• It can bring fresh ideas to government.Young people bring urgency to long-term issues — like climate change — that older generations may not prioritise as highly.
• It can help close the generational imbalance. Populations are ageing — older voters currently outnumber young ones. A lower voting age helps rebalance democratic weight toward the future.
• It strengthens equality. Many marginalised youth communities (e.g. Indigenous youth) face barriers to political power. A lower voting age can widen representation.
• Young people are asking to participate in elections.Many youth-led movements (e.g. climate strikes) show strong political awareness — this gives them a legitimate channel.

paul understands that countries like Austria and Scotland already let 16-year-olds vote in some elections. The evidence shows they are engaged, informed and take it seriously.

paul calls out the narrow arguments against this change. paul disputes the idea that 16 years old:

• lack emotional or cognitive maturity to weight up policy issues or resist peer pressure is ageist.
• have limited life experience.
• will be influenced by parents or teachers.
• will have low turn out.
• cast protest votes or choose novelty candidates, distorting results.

paul also disputes that there is no demand for this. Young people are engaged. Give them the vote. Expand the democratic franchise to 16 year olds and let’s respect their voices.