S-222At second reading in the Senate

Law Would Let 16-Year-Olds Vote in Federal Elections

Allow 16-Year-Olds to Vote

Introduced May 28, 2025·Last discussed Mar 24, 2026

Summary

This proposed law wants to change the rules about who can vote in Canadian elections and referendums. It would lower the voting age from 18 to 16. It also makes some related changes to the rules about election workers and political donations. If this proposed law passes, it will affect all Canadian citizens who are 16 or 17 years old. It will give them the right to vote. It will also affect political parties and candidates, who may need to adjust their campaigns to appeal to younger voters. This proposed law matters because it could change who gets a say in how Canada is run. Some people think 16 and 17-year-olds are mature enough to vote. Others worry they don't have enough life experience. This change could also affect election results, as younger voters may have different priorities than older voters.

Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Political & Electoral ReformMajor democratic overhaul

Lowering the voting age is a significant change to the electoral system, expanding the franchise and potentially altering election outcomes. This pushes the bill towards democratic reform.

Identity & Human RightsExpand protections for marginalized groups

Granting voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds can be seen as an inclusion measure, recognizing the political agency of young people and their right to participate in the democratic process. While not directly related to gender or sexuality, it expands rights based on age, a protected characteristic.

This bill

Bill Quality

Mixed

This proposed law would lower the voting age in Canada to 16. This could increase voter turnout and engagement among young people, but there are concerns about whether 16-year-olds are mature enough to make informed decisions and if this change could create logistical challenges for elections.

Things to Watch For

The law doesn't address how to educate younger voters about the election process.
It is unclear if lowering the voting age will actually increase youth voter turnout.
The law does not consider the impact on school systems and their role in voter education.
The law does not address potential challenges for polling stations in accommodating younger voters.
The law does not discuss how this change might affect the types of issues politicians focus on during campaigns.

Progress

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