Vote 16 in Norway
The Ombudsman for Children in Norway has for some time been working to lower the voting age to 16 in municipal/ local elections. Read more in a booklet on the topic, now in English.
The booklet was published in December 2007. In June 2008 it was established that the government are preparing for pilot projects in the next municipal election in 2011.
In the booklet the Ombudsman discusses 6 good reasons for letting 16-year old vote and select the politicians representing them:
- 16 and 17-year-olds are capable of making rational choices and are involved in issues that are important to them. They are mature enough.
- Democracy should be learned at school. The right to vote should form part of the curriculum.
- The right to vote for 16-year-olds makes for good local politics. Young people are experts on local issues.
- It works elsewhere; experiences from Austria and Germany have been positive.
- Granting 16-year-olds the right to vote would force society to provide better youth services.
- An ageing society compels young people to take responsibility for maintaining the democratic equilibrium.
Download the booklet here:
What's the point? - a booklet on the right to vote for 16-year-olds (PDF)
Oppdatert: 10.09.2008 15:14