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YACVic is calling on the Victorian Parliament to allow 16 and 17 year old young people the right to vote voluntarily in local government elections. We’re asking for your support to contact your local upper house member and ask them to lower the voting age.
Young People Deserve a Voice
Young people deserve to have a say on their future. Young people already contribute greatly to their local communities. Almost half of young people are volunteering and 40% are working part-time. Young people are members of sporting teams, operate small businesses and are leading action on important issues like climate change and mental health.
Young people deserve to have a say on their future and the services they use. They rely on local government services every day, like libraries, sport and recreation facilities, youth services, community centres, parks and infrastructure. Young people need to have a say on these services, so they work for everyone.
Lower the Voting Age
The Local Government Bill (2019) should be amended to allow 16 and 17 year old young people the right to vote voluntarily in local government elections. This is an appropriate and democratic way of recognising the contribution of young people and encouraging their continued participation in local communities.
Get Involved and Contact Your Local Representative
- Find your local upper house member by entering your postcode in the VEC Interactive Map and finding your region
- Download the letter template and contact list at the top of this page
- Copy the contact information for your upper house member from the contact list and add it to the top of the letter template
- Complete the highlighted sections in the letter template and add your name and email
- Send the completed letter to your upper house member by email
- Contact us to ask for help and let us know when you receive a response