Following Monday’s judgment by New Zealand’s Supreme Court that the country’s current voting age of 18 is discriminatory, parliament is compelled to consider lowering it.
Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, has announced that a vote will be held on whether to decrease the voting age from 18 to 16.
It follows a verdict by the country’s Supreme Court on Monday that the existing voting age of 18 is discriminatory, compelling parliament to consider lowering it.
The case, which has been in court since 2020, was purchased by the lobbying organization Make It 16.
On its website, the organization argues that there is little justification to prevent 16-year-olds from voting when they can drive, work full-time, and pay taxes.
The organization’s co-director, Sanat Singh, was ecstatic with the court’s verdict.
“This is a monumental day,” he remarked. “This is not only a historic moment for our campaign, but for the entire nation.”
Mr. Singh, age 18, stated that young people will be most affected by existential issues such as climate change, as well as pandemic recovery and the state of democracy.
He stated, “Therefore, I believe all hands must be on deck to ensure a brighter future.”
Ms. Ardern, leader of the liberal Labour Party, stated that all legislators should have a voice in the matter.
While she has stated that she favors decreasing the voting age, such a change would require the approval of 75% of parliamentarians, and political parties have varying opinions on the matter.
The Green Party desires quick action to lower the voting age to 16, whilst the National Party, the major opposition party, opposes the change.
Christopher Luxon, the leader of the group, told reporters, “It is not something we support.”
“In the end, you have to draw the line someplace, and we’re happy with 18 being that line.”
Under New Zealand law, protection from age discrimination begins at age 16.
The judges found that the attorney general failed to demonstrate why 18 rather than 16 was chosen as the voting age.
