In addition to our efforts to lower the voting age for federal, provincial and territorial elections, we’re ALSO campaigning in cities all across Canada to lower the voting age for LOCAL elections!
This strategy is working in the US, where a handful of cities have ALREADY lowered the voting age!
Vote16 Local is a great way for YOU to get involved. Help us launch a local campaign in YOUR municipality!
Brampton, ON
A local campaign led by 17-year-old Aymaan Abid was just launched in 2022, lobbying Brampton City Council to support Vote16.
2022: The Walrus
Email: brampton@vote16canada.ca
Vote16 Brampton
Burnaby, BC
“The Burnaby Citizens Association . . . voted unanimously to endorse the Vote16 campaign, which is aimed at seeing younger people being able to vote across the province.”
2021: Burnabynow
Burnaby Citizens Association
Calgary, AB
“A motion to include exploring the possibility of lowering the voting age for municipal elections in Calgary was narrowly passed during a council meeting on Monday, squeaking by with seven in favour and six against.
“Councillor George Chahal brought the motion forward, stating that many 16-year-olds in the city work jobs at which they pay taxes, and therefore they should have a say in the way the city is run.”
2018: DH News
2018: Toronto Star
Calgary Council Meeting
Edmonton, AB
“A city council executive committee is backing a request from the Edmonton Youth Council to lower the voting age for municipal elections to 16.
“On Tuesday, the committee passed a motion that will see city council send a letter alongside the youth council’s letter to the province in support of amending the Local Authorities Election Act.”
2016: Global News
2016: CBC News
Edmonton Council Meeting
City of Edmonton Youth Council
Moose Jaw, SK
Local campaign led by Youth Advisory Committee member Jaelin Caverhill.
Stay tuned for details!
Ottawa, ON
A local campaign led by 15-year-old Hamza Arrouch was just launched in 2022, lobbying Ottawa City Council to support Vote16.
Email: ottawa@vote16canada.ca
Vote16 Ottawa
Pickering, ON
December 2004: City Council unanimously adopted a motion to support #Vote16 in Ottawa! (Download PDF)
The motion was moved by Councillor Maurice Brenner and seconded by Bill McLean.
Russell Township, ON
A local campaign led by council candidate Eric Greer and his partner Brittney Hughes was just launched in 2022, with support from area MP Francis Drouin.
Email: brittneyhughes20@gmail.com
Vote16 Russell
Strathcona County, AB
“In Strathcona County, council is looking at lowering the municipal election voting age from 18 to 16.
“Ward 4 Councillor Bill Tonita brought the idea to the table.
“‘When I talk to young people, I get the sense that they are passionate about a whole host of issues and they want to be engaged and they want to be taken seriously.’”
2018: Sherwood Park News
2018: FortSaskOnline
Strathcona County Council Meeting
Surrey, BC
“Those individuals that are 16+ are contributing to the economy – paying taxes, participating in our workforce – but they have no say in how it operates,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “They participate in a system that is regulated and governed, however, cannot vote for elected representatives that make decisions that impact their lives. Their voice and perspective should count in all government elections.”
Toronto, ON
A local campaign led by Aleksi Toiviainen was just launched in 2022, lobbying Toronto City Council to pass a motion supporting Vote16.
Email: toronto@vote16canada.ca
Vote16 Toronto
Vancouver, BC
“The City of Vancouver is officially endorsing lowering the voting age to 16 in municipal elections across B.C.
“A motion passed by council on Thursday expresses support for the youth-led Vote 16 B.C. campaign and its goal to lower the voting age across the province.”
2021: CBC News
Vancouver Council Meeting
Vernon, BC
“Vernon city council voted 3-2 in favour of writing the provincial government to advocate for the voting age for municipal elections to be lowered to 16, down from the current 18.
“‘I think our youth are smarter than some people give them credit for. They are far more engaged in what’s going on.’”
2021: Vernon Matters
Vernon Council Meeting
Victoria, BC
“Victoria City Council voted 8-1 in favour of endorsing two resolutions to lower the voting age for municipal elections at Thursday's meeting.
“Councillor Laurel Collins says this is a good idea, as it would create an opportunity to engage more citizens in local politics.”
2019: iHeartRADIO
Victoria Council Meeting
Winnipeg, MB
“In a unanimous vote, Winnipeg School Division trustees passed a motion to call on the province to give non-citizens the right to vote for their trustees.
The same motion, supported by all nine division trustees on Monday evening, also calls for the minimum age to vote for school trustees to be lowered to 16 from 18.”
2018: CBC News
Winnipeg School Division Meeting
A local campaign led by Sarah Rohleder was just launched in 2022, lobbying Winnipeg City Council to pass a motion supporting Vote16 and promoting Vote16 in high schools.
Email: winnipeg@vote16canada.ca
Vote16 Winnipeg
Want to see your city listed? Join the network!
If you live in Canada, you could become a member of our executive team or a leader of a local campaign. Vote16 Canada will be able to support you with our national network of activists, strategic and informational resources, and connections to federal politicians who support this cause.
As a volunteer, you'll be able to help with research, strategy, communications, building connections, pushing legislation, everything.
*** We're looking for all youth aged 13-25, who are passionate, outgoing, and dedicated.***
