WATCH: How young is too young to vote? Right now the rules say anyone under 18 can’t cast a ballot, but as Sarolta Saskiw reports one city counsellor wants to see that shift.
LETHBRIDGE – At 16 years old, you can get your driver’s licence and at 17, you can serve your country, but you can’t vote for who runs your city.
The Province of Alberta’s Local Authorities Election Act states a person is eligible to vote if they’re at least 18 years old.
It’s a rule most southern Albertans have come to accept, but not Lethbridge city councillor Jeff Coffman.
He wants the provincial government to amend the act and lower the voting age.
On Monday he presented a resolution to council asking that the idea be brought before the Alberta Urban Municipality Association (AUMA).
Coffman wants the age restriction dropped from 18 to 16.
“It’s about expanding the franchise to municipalities and creating an opportunity to engage a new generation, a younger cohort of individuals into the system,” said Coffman.
He says the resolution addresses voter apathy and declining turnout by giving teenagers a chance to learn and participate.
“That develops that sticky habit of voting throughout their life,” said Coffman.
The resolution did pass, but 16 and 17-year-olds won’t be casting a ballot anytime soon.
Once the resolution goes before AUMA, members have to debate and vote on whether or not to accept it. If it’s accepted, it will then be put forward to the Alberta government.
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