Why the global standard for voting is shifting toward younger citizens
In short: While 18 is the most common age to cast a ballot, a growing movement is pushing to lower the threshold to 16. As democratic nations debate the rights of the youth, the question remains: are teenagers ready to shape the future of their nations?
Historically, the voting age was significantly higher. Before the Second World War (1939–1945), almost all countries required voters to be at least 21. The shift toward 18 began in the mid-20th century, often driven by the logic of military service: if young men could be drafted to fight at 18, they should have a say in the government that sends them to war. This sentiment helped drive a wave of legislative changes in the 1960s and 1970s across Western Europe and North America, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Today, the landscape is diversifying. While 205 countries and territories have set the voting age at 18, some are moving even lower. Austria became a pioneer in the European Union by allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in national elections in 2007. Research following their first major election showed that these young voters were as capable as older cohorts in articulating their beliefs and making decisions aligned with their preferences, while showing significantly higher levels of trust in democracy.
However, the push for 16-year-old suffrage faces varied success. In Brazil, the 1988 Constitution established 16 as the age for voting, and the first presidential election with this lower age occurred in 1989. In contrast, many other nations face political hurdles. In Canada, several attempts to lower the federal age have failed, and in Germany, while some states have lowered the age for local or state elections, a constitutional change to allow it for the federal parliament has been blocked by opposition.
The debate is not just about age, but about the nature of citizenship. Proponents argue that lowering the age encourages political interest among the youth, while opponents often cite concerns regarding maturity or the potential for political manipulation.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Voting age
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-voting-age.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Traditions & customs · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
