24 February 2022
The Greens have renewed calls to lower the voting age for future state elections, as the Electoral Commission of South Australia prepares to close the roll for the 2022 election at 5pm on Friday.
“If you’re 16 in South Australia, you’re old enough to drive, to work and pay taxes, surely you should be old enough to vote,” said Greens Youth Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“During this term of Parliament, the Greens tried to amend the Electoral Act to give 16 and 17 year old’s the right to vote (on an optional basis). Sadly, this was not supported by other parties. I intend to move on this again in the new parliament.
“If we are serious about improving the engagement of young people in our democracy, we need to give them a say at the ballot-box,” Mr Simms said.
The Electoral Commission are urging first time voters to get on the roll by 5pm Friday the 25th of February.