Canada Lowers Federal Voting Age to 16

Summary#

This bill lowers the federal voting age in Canada from 18 to 16 for elections and referendums. It also adjusts related rules, like who counts as a “future elector,” what ages appear on fundraising disclosure lists, and offence language about underage voting. It sets a built‑in delay so Elections Canada can prepare before it takes effect.

• Lowers the voting age to 16 for federal elections and referendums (Section 3; Regulation s.3).
• Redefines “future elector” to mean citizens aged 14–15 (Clause 1).
• Updates offence provisions to match the new age limit (Clause 4).
• Changes fundraising attendee disclosure: names of people under 16 are not listed; those 16 and older are listed (Clause 5).
• Repeals a clause that explicitly allowed some election officers to be 16–17 (Clause 3).
• Comes into force 6 months after Royal Assent, or earlier if the Chief Electoral Officer publishes a readiness notice (Coming into Force).

What it means for you#

• Households

  • If you are 16 or 17, you would be allowed to vote in federal elections and referendums once the law takes effect (Section 3; Regulation s.3).
  • If you are 14 or 15, you would be listed as a “future elector,” not a full voter, until you turn 16 (Clause 1).

• Workers

  • Election staff rules change slightly. The bill repeals the specific allowance that some election officers appointed under section 32 could be 16–17 (Clause 3). The practical effect depends on the remaining rules in section 22 of the Canada Elections Act. Data unavailable.

• Political parties and candidates

  • At regulated fundraising events, parties must not publish the names or locations of attendees who are under 16. They must publish this information for attendees who are 16 or older, including 16–17‑year‑olds (Clause 5).
  • Campaign compliance checks on underage voting and inducement would use the new cut‑off age of 16 (Clause 4).

• Voters at large

  • Offence rules would match the new voting age. It would be illegal to vote or to induce someone to vote if the person is under 16 on polling day (Clause 4).
  • Voter declaration forms would be updated to the new age threshold (Clause 6).

• Timing

  • The law starts 6 months after Royal Assent unless the Chief Electoral Officer says preparations are complete sooner and publishes a notice. In that case it starts on the notice date (Coming into Force).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.

• No fiscal note or appropriation is included in the bill. Data unavailable.
• The bill imposes implementation tasks on Elections Canada (e.g., updating registers, forms, systems, guidance), but provides no new funding in the text. Data unavailable.
• Any ongoing costs or savings from a larger voter roll or changed outreach are not stated. Data unavailable.

Proponents' View#

• Expands the franchise by adding 16–17‑year‑old Canadian citizens as qualified electors for elections and referendums (Section 3; Regulation s.3).
• Aligns legal references so rules on underage voting, voter declarations, and offences match the new age limit (Clauses 4 and 6).
• Refines youth engagement tools by redefining “future elector” to 14–15, moving 16–17‑year‑olds into the main Register of Electors (Clause 1).
• Improves transparency at fundraising events by publishing attendee information for everyone 16 and older, while still shielding those under 16 (Clause 5).
• Provides a preparation window, with flexibility for an earlier start if Elections Canada is ready (Coming into Force).

Opponents' View#

• Administrative burden without dedicated funding: Elections Canada would need to update systems, forms, lists, training, and outreach, but the bill includes no appropriation (bill passim). Costs are not stated. Data unavailable.
• Privacy concern for minors: 16–17‑year‑old attendees at regulated fundraising events would appear on public attendee lists; currently the cutoff is under 18 (Clause 5).
• Identification and access risks: The bill does not change voter ID rules; critics argue some 16–17‑year‑olds may have fewer standard IDs, raising reliance on alternative processes. The bill does not address this (no ID changes in text).
• Staffing ambiguity: Repealing the clause that explicitly allowed some 16–17‑year‑olds to serve as election officers (Clause 3) could create uncertainty about youth eligibility until Elections Canada clarifies guidance. Data unavailable.
• Implementation timing risk: The 6‑month window or an earlier start by notice may compress preparation before an unscheduled election, increasing error risk. Data unavailable.