SoVote

Bill S-201

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

June 06, 2024

This bill, called S-201, proposes to change the voting age in Canada from 18 to 16 years old. If passed, it would amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum to reflect this change. This means that Canadian citizens who are 16 years old or older would be qualified to vote in elections. The bill was introduced on November 24, 2021, and is currently in its first reading in the Senate of Canada. If it becomes law, it will take effect six months after receiving royal assent, unless the Chief Electoral Officer publishes a notice stating that the necessary preparations for implementation have been made.

Steelman Argument: Lowering the voting age from 18 years to 16 can provide several benefits and is a positive step towards increasing youth political participation and engagement. First, it recognizes that 16-year-olds are affected by government policies and decisions that shape their lives and future. They pay taxes, work, drive, and contribute to society in various ways. Therefore, they should have the right to have a say in the policies that impact them directly. Second, lowering the voting age can promote civic education and political awareness among young people. By involving them in the electoral process at an earlier age, they will have more opportunities to develop their understanding of democracy, political systems, and public issues. This will help them become informed and engaged citizens, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant democracy. Third, research and evidence from countries that have already lowered the

A possible steelman argument opposing this bill could be: One argument against lowering the voting age to 16 is that 16-year-olds may not have enough life experience or maturity to make informed decisions about politics and voting. At this age, individuals are still in their formative years and are often focused on personal development and education. They may not have a comprehensive understanding of political issues, parties, and complex policy matters. It is important to prioritize the voting rights of individuals who have had more time to gain life experience, become more informed about political systems, and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, lowering the voting age may also lead to an increase in the manipulation and influence of young voters by political parties and interest groups. Young people are more vulnerable to manipulation and may be easily swayed by emotional appeals or popular trends. This could potentiall