BC Green Leader Andrew Weaver is hoping persistence will pay off. For the third time he has introduced a bill aimed at lowering the voting age to 16 in BC.
Weaver argues our youth have the greatest stake in the future of the province, and are deemed old enough to drive, pay taxes and sign up for the military -- therefore should have a say in the decisions being made.
Meantime Premier John Horgan says it makes some sense:
"The recent information tabled by the Chief Eelectroal Officer demonstrates that there are areas that are declining in participation. But I do know in my own family and myself, if you start voting as soon as you can you'll proobaly vote for life. If you put it off, and put it off, and put it off you may never get into a voting booth. So I'm gfoing to look at Mr. Weaver's proposal and we'll talk to the House Leadser, and see if it fits. "
Elections B.C. numbers show only about 56% of 18-24 year olds, and just 46% of 25-35 year olds, voted in the last provincial election.
Weaver points to Scotland, Argentina, Austria and Brazil where 16 year olds are allowed to vote, saying since they were given that right voter participation has risen substantially.