SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN AND HELP US BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
This is our chance to build a better democracy.
The BC Legislature has created a Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform to look at ways to increase democratic engagement and voter participation. Over the summer, the committee will listen to the testimony of British Columbians, and will make recommendations to the legislature by November 26, 2025.
This is our chance to get British Columbia to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds.
You can help us. See below.
Why Extend Voting Rights to 16-17s?
Generational Fairness
The median age of the population is creeping ever upwards. Unless we take action, the voices of young people will increasingly be drowned out in civic life.
They are Ready
16- and 17-year-old are mature, informed and ready to exercise the right to vote. The cognitive ability to make informed decisions around voting—called “cold cognition”—reaches maturity by 16.
Youth Issues Deserve Attention
Youth unemployment is on the rise across British Columbia, and young people are losing access to full-time jobs. According to the BC Adolescent Health Survey for 2023, young people’s physical and mental health are on the decline. Stress is up, and life satisfaction is down. 13.3% of those under the age of 18 are living in poverty, and the rate is trending upwards.
Strengthen Voter Turnout
According to the Chief Electoral Officer of the Northwest Territories, “In the jurisdictions where they have lowered the voting age, what they've found is that 16- and 17-year-olds vote at a higher rate than 18- to 24-year-olds… but they’re also more likely to vote in the next election, and the one after that.”
