July 18 2025
The SA Greens today called on the State Government to commit to lowering the voting age for state and local government elections to 16, following the UK government’s announcement that it will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in its next general election.
“16- and 17-year-old South Australians can work, pay taxes, drive cars and even join the military, but they cannot vote on decisions that affect their lives. They deserve a real say over the decisions that shape their future,” said Greens MLC Robert Simms.
“Lowering the voting age to 16 would make State Governments more responsive to the needs and concerns of young people. Such an initiative would also have the potential to improve young people’s understanding of, and engagement with, civic and political life.”
“Our democracy is stronger when more people can participate in decision-making. South Australia has a proud history of democratic reform — we were the second place in the world to grant women the right to vote and the first to give women the right to stand for parliament. By lowering the voting age to 16, we will once again set the agenda for the rest of the country to follow.”
Many jurisdictions around the world have already lowered their voting age to 16, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Scotland and Wales.