Allow voting at age 16

WHEREAS the Election Act of British Columbia presently prohibits individuals under 18 from participating in the electoral process;

WHEREAS early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of engagement that endures throughout life;

WHEREAS the 2011 report of the Chief Electoral Officer of BC recognized that "The lowest voter registration rates are for young voters 18-24 years of age";

WHEREAS by the age of 15, BC residents are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time basis in accordance with the Employment Standards Act;

WHEREAS by the age of 16, BC residents may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway;

BE IT RESOLVED that the residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from (18) to sixteen (16) years.