# Should New Zealand Lower Voting Age to 16?

> New Zealand youth advocates push to lower voting age to 16 for 2026 election.
- Title: Should New Zealand Lower Voting Age to 16? · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: new zealand, voting age, 2026 election, youth participation, make it 16, on a roll, rangiatahi, electoral commission, bill of rights act, civics education, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1869140/should-new-zealand-lower-the-voting-age-to-16
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-12T23:21:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, voting age, 2026 election, youth participation, make it 16, on a roll, rangiatahi, electoral commission, bill of rights act, civics education, politics, news
## 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
## Key takeaway

New Zealand youth groups want to lower voting age to 16 to boost youth participation in the 2026 election.