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Electoral Legislation Amendment (Lowering the Voting Age) Bill 2023
✦ Plain-English Summary
# Electoral Legislation Amendment (Lowering the Voting Age) Bill 2023
## What it does
This bill lowers the voting age from 18 to 16 in federal elections and referendums. It also lowers the age at which you can enrol to vote from 16 to 14, so teenagers can register early and be ready to vote when they turn 16.
## Why it matters
If passed, 16-year-olds would gain a say in choosing Australia's government and deciding on national referendums. This expands voting rights to a group that can work, pay taxes, and be tried as adults in some circumstances—but currently has no electoral voice.
## Key details
- **Voting age becomes 16**: The main voting age drops from 18 to 16 across all Commonwealth elections and referendums
- **Early enrolment at 14**: You'll be able to enrol to vote from age 14 onwards, even if you can't actually vote until 16
- **Comes into effect immediately**: The changes take effect the day after the bill receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's approval), so there's no waiting period
Official Description
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 to: lower the minimum voting age in Australian federal elections and referenda from 18 to 16 years; provide for 16 and 17 year olds to be included in the certified list of voters (but not to be given a penalty notice if they do not vote); and provide that an eligible voter, who is not yet on the electoral roll or enrolled at their correct address, is able to cast a provisional vote on election day.
Audit History
Last updated on APH
9 Apr 2026
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