The List of Countries with the Lowest Voting Age

Voting plays a major role in governance of a state. Many countries very in areas of success due to their voting ages which will be our focus today; Why does voting age matter, and what are the lowest voting ages we see today.

Certain differences that exist between the ages at which citizens can cast their votes around the world. Many countries set their lowest voting age at 21 but that changes after World War II.

Czechoslovakia was the first country to lower their lowest voting age to 20 in 1964, after which more than 15 countries lowered their voting age too.

50 years later, 18 years had become the lowest voting age, and it is effective to date. However, this doesn’t apply to every country around the world. The lowest voting age around the world ranges from 16 to 25 years old.

Most Common Voting Age

Around the world, the number of countries that have a minimum voting age requirement of 18 years old is voluminous. However, there are certain rules and exceptions to this, in a country like Bosnia and Herzegovina, for instance. The lowest voting age is 18-year-old but an exception to the rule is that 16-year-olds who are employed can also vote.

Youngest Voting Age

16 years is the lowest voting age and many countries that lay claim to this youngest national voting age.

These countries include:

  • Brazil
  • Ecuador
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Cuba
  • Guernsey
  • Isle of Man
  • Jersey
  • Malta
  • Estonia
  • Nicaragua
  • Scotland
  • Argentina

In countries like Argentina, voting between the ages of 16 to 18 is optional but becomes compulsory after 18 years old.

What does this mean to democracy?

It’s a successful concept

Lower ages participating in a democracy means that more people will be dealing with the political landscape at an earlier stage. Simultaneously, more investment is being made in political education,”

Younger people vote more than older people

Apart from the 30+ age category, 16 to 17 years category is the one well represented at the polls, and they give a better outcome than the 18 to 21 age category. This is because of the personal commotion at this significant age with many people at the age of 18 and 21 already living out of their parents’ houses.

Turning the younger generation into habitual voters

A great way to change a country’s political landscape is by lowering the voting age, it also a significant way to introduce young people to the political process at such an early age. Lower voting age also educates young people politically, as it seems, it makes the younger generation into habitual voters and complements the whole process at school.

Younger people invest more years in developing the habit of voting. On the other hand, parents could use the motivation to set a good example.

It increases voter turnout

To establish new voters particularly when people are less likely to participate due to leaving their families or attending colleges we need to lower voting age. The fact that voting is a habitual act makes it possible for people who participate in one election to participate in the next one. The more children participate in the voting program, the more their parents vote in the real election.

Mahim Gupta
Mahim Guptahttps://weeklyreviewer.com/author/weeklyreviewer/
I love journalism and writing, and I emphasize facts and direct implications for readers. I have a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Rutgers University and I've been writing about business, technology and science trends for many years. I also love writing about politics, world news or topics that require more perspective. Beyond industry news and news reviews, I review products, services and business profiles/brands. Head Writer | Editor at WeeklyReviewer

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