Let's Lower The Voting Age

The British Labour Party is reportedly planning to include in its election manifesto the promise to bring the voting age down from 18 to 16.

This is an example Canada should follow. We can debate the maturity of 16 year olds for as long as we like, but the fact is that our court system already treats 16 year olds like adults. 16 year old criminals are sent to an adult prison and treated in court like adults.

With responsibilities come rights. If 16 year olds face the same laws and penalties as adults, they should have the same say as adults in making these laws.

Children under 16 (though sometimes only under 14, thanks to Harper) do not face the same penalties for breaking the law, so it is perfectly reasonable that they should have no say in making these laws. But it is a logical aberration to punish 16 and 17 year olds like adults without giving them the same voting rights.