Québec solidaire advocates for lowering the voting age to 16 to ensure young voices are heard in potential referendums on sovereignty. The left-wing party announced its proposal to decrease the voting age to 16 if they come into power.
According to party spokesperson Ruba Ghazal, enhancing youth participation in important decision-making processes is vital. Ghazal emphasized the importance of granting young people the opportunity to influence their future through political engagement.
In a press release, Ghazal expressed her vision for the 2026 election to be the last one where 16- and 17-year-olds are unable to vote. Drawing on examples from countries like Austria and the United Kingdom, where voting at 16 is already in place or in consideration, Ghazal argued that young individuals have the capacity for mature political expression.
The resurgence of the sovereignty movement has been evident, particularly among the 18- to 34-year-old demographic, as indicated by a recent CROP poll. With 56% of respondents in this age group supporting sovereignty, the possibility of a referendum looms larger, especially with the Parti Québécois maintaining a leading position in polls.
Ghazal emphasized that young Quebecers aspire to contribute to shaping a progressive and inclusive nation, emphasizing the need to empower them to actively participate in determining their own future.
