While it is legal to sexually consent, leave school, drive a vehicle and so much more at 16, it is still illegal for those 16-17 years old to vote in New Zealand's Electoral Commission. 

In effect to the legal voting age being 18, 16-year-olds across New Zealand are greatly affected by the decision being made that they had no vote in endorsing. By the time 16-year-olds are able to vote, they are forced to wait for the following election to express their vote and opinion. 

While some may argue that 16-year-olds lack maturity and life-experience, us at Youth Vote: Future Leaders believe that by allowing 16-year-olds to vote they are able to have their say in the life changing decisions that are made surrounding their future. 

In New Zealand 16-year-olds already have identical responsibilities to those 18 years and above, such as working, paying taxes, and future educational studies. When policies are implemented into the New Zealand legal system the responsibilities 16- and 17-year-olds have are affected by a voting system that rejects their say on a government that implements changes that affects their responsibilities and future; the same way it affects those 18 years and above. 

Lowering the voting age could potentially increase overall voter turnout and political engagement by instilling voting habits earlier in life.

Help us spread our message and fight for the voting age to be lowered to 16. 

MAKE VOTING 16. HAVE YOUR SAY. MAKE A CHANGE.