To: The Governing Party of British Columbia
Allow voting at age 16
The residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from eighteen (18) to sixteen (16) years.
Why is this important?
WHEREAS the Election Act of British Columbia presently prohibits individuals under 18 from participating in the electoral process;
WHEREAS early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of engagement that endures throughout life;
WHEREAS the 2011 report of the Chief Electoral Officer of BC recognized that "The lowest voter registration rates are for young voters 18-24 years of age";
WHEREAS by the age of 15, BC residents are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time basis in accordance with the Employment Standards Act;
WHEREAS by the age of 16, BC residents may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway;
BE IT RESOLVED that the residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from (18) to sixteen (16) years.
WHEREAS early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of engagement that endures throughout life;
WHEREAS the 2011 report of the Chief Electoral Officer of BC recognized that "The lowest voter registration rates are for young voters 18-24 years of age";
WHEREAS by the age of 15, BC residents are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time basis in accordance with the Employment Standards Act;
WHEREAS by the age of 16, BC residents may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway;
BE IT RESOLVED that the residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from (18) to sixteen (16) years.
How it will be delivered
Signatures will be delivered to the governing party elected in 2017.