Young Canadians sue federal government in call to lower voting age
Global News
In a lawsuit filed in Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, several young Canadians argue that denying citizens under 18 the right to vote in federal elections is unconstitutional.
Several young Canadians are taking the federal government to court in an effort to strike down the minimum voting age.
They argue that denying citizens under the age of 18 the right to vote in federal elections is unconstitutional.
They contend the minimum voting age violates two sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
They say one section of the charter guarantees the right to vote for all Canadian citizens without an age qualification.
The Canada Elections Act sets the minimum age for federal elections at 18.
Thirteen youth from across the country ranging in age from 12 to 18 are part of the lawsuit, which hasn’t been tested in court.
“They each want to participate meaningfully in Canadian democracy by exercising their right to vote before age 18,” said the claim, which was filed in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice on Tuesday.
The youth argue election rules have changed significantly over time and should continue to do so.