GPWI, Social Justice, A. 8: Lower voting age to 16
Name of party/caucus/committee and co-chair contact information
Wisconsin Green Party
Co chairs:
Dave Schwab david.c.schwab@gmail.com
Jo’ Nathan Kingfisher zkingfisherbird@gmail.com
Brief explanation of approval process and date of approval
The proposal was submitted to the WIGP Coordinating Council for discussion and voting, and was approved on 9/30/21.
Contact Information for author or designated contact person: name, address, phone, e-mail.
Dave Schwab david.c.schwab@gmail.com
Chapter of the platform and letter of plank being addressed; or, if introducing new material, chapter and section where new plank should appear
II. Social Justice, A. Civil Rights and Equal Rights, 8. Youth Rights, add new plank k
Current language of plank being addressed
None
Proposed revision or amendment of the current language, or proposed new plank
Add:
k. Lower the voting age to 16 for all elections to give young people the right to take part in deciding their future.
Additional comments or questions:
Many people who are younger than the official voting age of 18 are informed and engaged in society and politics, yet they are currently unable to take part in collective political decisions that will determine their future. People who begin voting young are more likely to become active and engaged voters for life. Green Parties around the world support lowering the voting age to 16, including in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales, Scotland, and more. The Green Party US Youth Caucus welcomes members as young as 14. This amendment would make lowering the voting age to 16 official Green Party US policy.