If 16-year-olds pay tax, they should also get the vote – Children’s Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner for Children has said that extending suffrage to 16-year-olds would empower young people to participate in important decisions that affect both themselves and others.

But Commissioner Pauling Miceli also said young people had to understand the value of their vote and its impact on society in general.

“More than ever, it is now imperative that educators – including parents, guardians and extended families – take it upon themselves to encourage young people to think, criticize, commend and be full members of the society they live in. We should be aiming at a political society but not a partisan one, where the issue carries weight rather that the politician talking about it,” Miceli said.

Both political parties are supporting legislation that would allow 16-year-olds, who already are allowed to vote in referenda and local council elections, to vote in general elections.

At age 16, an individual can, amongst others, act as a trader and run a business – as well as pay taxes if employed – open a bank account, draw up a will, and also be held criminally responsible for any wrongdoing.

The National Children’s Policy, launched last month, recognises that children should be active citizens who engage in the democratic process, social participation, environmental activism and innovation, volunteering and social entrepreneurship. The policy also encourages views presented by children to be taken into account through democratic participation by extending full voting rights to young people aged 16.

“The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child insists on the child’s right to have an opinion that is listened to as well as the right to association and affiliation with groups and organizations of the child’s choice,” the Children’s Commissioner said.