My vote : my voice. For or against the Vote 16? Young people’s views on the introduction of the Vote16 in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: This research examines young people’s stance on the introduction of the Vote16 reform in Malta. Background: In 2018, Malta became the 2nd country in Europe to lower its voting eligibility age to 16. The Vote16 initiative was largely introduced through a top-down approach extending the relevance of hearing the voices of young people. This paper aims to address this lacuna, by voicing the views of young people on the issue. Methodological Design/Approach: Based on the contributions of a total of 1,310 young people who were themselves directly affected by the reform, the research adopts a triangular approach by qualitatively and quantitatively examining young people’ stance and arguments brought in favour and against the Vote16 reform. Findings: 60% of young people were in support of the Vote16 initiative, yet a significant 28%, were against with 12% holding ambivalent views. The main arguments in favour were that it led to greater democratisation, inclusion and representation in the political process and enhanced political interest and active participation, whilst the main opposing arguments referred to decision-making by an immature, indifferent and uninformed electorate, manipulation and undue influence on electoral choice, and turnout decline. Implications: Based on young people’s critique of the Maltese political system, the research highlights the need for greater political maturity, more timely and relevant political education, as well as the advancement of active citizenship beyond electoral participation. It proposes the introduction of a youth quota to promote greater intergenerational diversity in political structures.