The debate over whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote in Canada remains contentious, with a recent poll showing strong public opposition to the idea.
An INsauga.com survey of 2,413 readers found that 83.1% opposed lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, while only 16.9% supported the change. The results suggest that despite advocacy from youth groups and some MPs, the majority of Canadians are not ready to extend voting rights to younger teens.
Supporters of the change argue that 16- and 17-year-olds are engaged, informed, and directly impacted by policies on climate change, education, and job creation. They believe earlier participation could strengthen civic education and boost long-term voter turnout. Critics, however, say 16 is too young for such a responsibility, citing concerns over maturity, life experience, and the potential influence of parents or peers.
Globally, countries such as Austria, Argentina, Brazil, and Scotland already allow voting at 16 for some or all elections. In Canada, the voting age has been set at 18 since 1970, when it was lowered from 21.
While no active federal legislation is on the table, legal challenges have argued the current limit violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For now, the poll results indicate that most Canadians want the age requirement to remain unchanged.