Young voices count, more influence through early voting rights.

Problem

• In Switzerland, young people under 18 are not allowed to vote or elect, even though political decisions also affect their future.
• Demographic changes mean that the number of voters over fifty is increasing, which can lead to a distortion of political decisions.
• While the canton of Glarus has already introduced the voting age of 16, other cantons such as Lucerne and Aargau have rejected corresponding initiatives. This inconsistency leads to different participation opportunities for young people in Switzerland.
• Despite discussions at the federal level, the voting age of 16 was not introduced nationally, resulting in inconsistent practices across the cantons.

Solution

• The active right to vote and stand for election in Switzerland should be lowered to 16 years to involve young people earlier in democratic processes.
• Cantons that have already introduced or plan to introduce the voting age of 16 should document and share their experiences to serve as a model for other cantons. This could lead to gradual harmonization.
• Regardless of the voting age, political education in schools should be strengthened to promote the interest and competence of young people in political processes.
• The active right to vote and stand for election should be lowered to 14 years in Switzerland.
• All children are granted a parental voting right from birth. Because parents care about the future of their children, which leads to long-term meaningful and future-oriented decisions.

Benefit

• By lowering the voting age, young people are involved earlier in political decision-making processes, which can contribute to a long-term strengthening of democracy.
• Including younger eligible voters can lead to more balanced decisions that better reflect the interests of all age groups.
• Earlier access to voting allows young people to gain practical experience with democratic processes. This strengthens their political opinion formation and increases their willingness to participate in the long term.
• Research findings suggest that early involvement in democratic processes sustainably promotes political interest and engagement.
• Political power directs decisions. If a significant portion of power is extended to the interests of future generations, the balance shifts in favor of forward-looking policies.

Public support

Total votes: 45

Breakdown: FullyOnBoard: 16, NoChance: 9, NeedForDiscussion: 6, NothingAgainstIt: 6, SoundsGood: 5, Concerns: 3

Discussion

• Felix E. (2026-04-18): From psychology we know that the human brain is not fully mature until the age of 25. For that reason alone I do not find it sensible to lower the voting age. Additionally, voting involves taking responsibility for decisions. In Switzerland, however, responsibility is only fully assumed from the age of 18 and is probably only properly learned then.