The debate over whether Canada should extend voting rights to 16-year-olds remains heated, but a new poll shows strong public resistance to the idea.
An INsauga.com survey of 2,413 readers found that 83.1 per cent — 2,004 respondents — oppose lowering the voting age from 18, while just 16.9 per cent, or 409 participants, support the change.
Advocates argue that younger voters are informed, engaged, and directly impacted by policies on climate change, education, and employment. They say earlier voting rights could strengthen civic education, boost long-term turnout, and give youth a stronger political voice.
Opponents counter that 16 is too young for such a responsibility, pointing to concerns about maturity, life experience, and outside influence from parents or peers. Some warn that lowering the voting age could prompt reconsideration of other legal thresholds, such as the age of majority for contracts and responsibilities.
Globally, countries like Austria, Argentina, Brazil, and Malta, as well as regions in Scotland, Wales, Germany, and Switzerland, have already lowered the voting age to 16 for certain elections. In Canada, however, the age has remained at 18 since it was reduced from 21 in 1970.
While no active federal legislation is in place to lower the voting age, some MPs, youth organizations, and legal challenges continue to push for reform. For now, the poll suggests most Canadians prefer to keep the status quo.