From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 30s
Should New Zealand Lower Voting Age to 16?
New Zealand youth advocates push to lower voting age to 16 for 2026 election.
In brief
New Zealand youth advocates push to lower voting age to 16 for 2026 election. New Zealand youth groups want to lower voting age to 16 to boost youth participation in the 2026 election. Originally reported by RNZ.
Youth Advocates Say Young People Care
Young people care about housing, job security, cost of living, climate change, and AI threats.
“We absolutely do”
Systemic Problem in Youth Voting
Lola Fisher and Nancy Guo say youth voter enrolment is a systemic problem for the 2026 election.
“I think there's a misconception that young people don't care. We absolutely do”
D-Day for Voting Registration
Eligible voters must be registered by October 25 to avoid missing their vote in the 2026 election.
“Making sure you're on the roll before then”
Low Youth Voter Enrolment
Only 62.16 percent of eligible 18-24 year-olds were enrolled to vote as of September 30.
“62.16 percent”
Youth Vote Power
18-24 year-olds are the second largest voting group in New Zealand with significant collective influence.
“18-24 year-olds are the second largest voting group in the country”
Make It 16 Campaign
Make It 16 campaign has been active for seven years and won a Supreme Court ruling in 2022.
“Make It 16 campaign has been active for seven years and won a Supreme Court ruling in 2022”
Voting Age Lowering Impact
Lowering voting age to 16 increases youth turnout and enrolment in elections like Scotland and Wales.
“The research has shown that when it is lowered, young people turn out the polling booths in massive numbers”
Civics Education Needed
Civics education is essential to prepare young people for voting and civic responsibilities.
“young people deserve to know about the systems and things that impact their lives”
Youth Action for Election
Youth groups will host a debate on October 20 to encourage rangatahi to enrol and vote.
“host a debate at Auckland's Q Theatre on 20 October”
The main idea
New Zealand youth groups want to lower voting age to 16 to boost youth participation in the 2026 election.
