2025.EX22.5

Background

Young people will inherit the planet and will bear the brunt of climate change impacts for the longest time. They are the generation that will live with the escalating effects of extreme weather, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. Young people have a moral right to be informed and consulted on issues that will profoundly affect their future. As stated by Vote16 Canada, research from Elections Canada found that “16-17s are just as interested, if not more, in participating in various forms of political activity, including both voting and non-electoral civic activities. [Moreover], Canadian scholars have found that 16-17s are not less politically developed than adults, and, depending on the aspect being looked at, they are more knowledgeable or as knowledgeable as adults. Compared to 18-20s, they know as much about political institutions, the campaign promises, and the candidates…As of today, 17 countries have a minimum voting age of 16 for at least one level of government, including Germany, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Belgium, Finland, and several cities in the US.”

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

This item responds to a City Council request to lower the minimum voting age from 18 to 16. The City Clerk recommends amending Municipal Code Chapter 190 to implement this change, with the exception of Business Improvement Area polls. Additional proposed changes aim to improve polling procedures and accessibility, including replacing affidavits with proof of ownership or tenancy and updating ballot handling practices. These amendments are set to take effect on November 1, 2025, with no expected financial impact.

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Executive Committee