The UK Government has just announced that 16 and 17 year olds throughout the UK will be able to vote by the next general election. This follows 16 and 17 year olds being given the right to vote in Scottish and Welsh elections since 2016 and 2021 respectively.

“New Zealand prides itself on being a world leader in democracy. We were the first country where women won the right to vote. But now we’re falling behind. It's time to catch up” says Lincoln Jones, Make It 16 Co-Director.

“The UK's decision is a turning point for young people's position in democracy. 1.5 million people have just been enfranchised, roughly the population of Auckland.

“Just like in the United Kingdom, young people in Aotearoa are already engaged and ready to participate in the systems that will shape their future.

“The United Kingdom joins Brazil, Austria, Argentina and others as countries that already have a voting age of 16” says Jones, “Aotearoa needs to catch up and future proof our democracy.

“Young people are leaving this country en masse because they simply do not see a future here. It is paramount that when we are making decisions on our economy, environment, education and healthcare, young people are a central part of that conversation so that we have a place in Aotearoa as well.

“The political landscape has dramatically changed since the voting age was first lowered from 20 to 18 in 1974 in Aotearoa. It is more important than ever that young people are empowered to make decisions about their future in an increasingly volatile world. Lowering the voting age is the key to ensuring our democracy is fair and ready to face the future head on” says Jones.

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