Private member’s bills in the House and Senate are seeking to lower Canada’s voting age to 16, a move supporters say could lead to higher democratic participation over a lifetime. But critics say it would have a marginal impact at best in elections and question whether 16- to 18-year-olds have enough skin in the game at that age.
Bill S-201, introduced by non-affiliated Sen. Marilou McPhedran of Manitoba, and Bill C-210, introduced by NDP MP Taylor Bachrach of Skeena-Bulkley Valley, B.C., aim to lower Canada’s voting age for the first time since 1970, when it dropped from 21 to 18.
