Malta to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote

In March, Malta’s Parliament unanimously approved a constitutional amendment that will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in general elections. This is a natural step forward in Malta’s journey of progressive social reform, especially given that the Labour Government had already granted 16 year olds the opportunity to vote in local council elections. One of the core arguments for reducing the voting age is that, if a 16 year old can leave school, seek full-time employment and be liable for tax, then they should also be entrusted with the civic responsibility of voting. My view is that lowering the voting age will ensure that more young people take part in democratic processes by voting.