His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has today published a Consultation Paper to seek the public’s opinion on lowering the voting age to 16. The Paper was tabled before the Gibraltar Parliament this afternoon.

This consultation is the political policy of the Government following a manifesto commitment to do so in the lead up to October’s General Election. It also follows the referendum of 24 June 2021, which gave 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote for the first time.

The Consultation Paper discusses the pros and cons of lowering the voting age to 16 and seeks the public’s views as to whether the law should be amended in order to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote. This proposal aligns Gibraltar with numerous progressive democracies around the world, where young people aged 16 and above have been granted the right to vote. Whilst the Gibraltar Parliament will ultimately determine whether or not the voting age will be lowered, this Consultation will better inform any deliberations in that regard.

The Consultation Paper can be found online at https://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/papers/consultation-paper-on-lowering-the-voting-age-to-16-49. Submissions are welcomed by email to votingconsultation@gibraltar.gov.gi or by delivery to the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister, No 6 Convent Place by no later than 31st December 2023.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said: ‘The Government has delivered on this manifesto commitment soon after the General Election precisely because of its importance to Gibraltar’s democratic system and institutions. The arguments both for and against are complex, persuasive and varied, and it is important that the views of Gibraltar’s voters are properly considered by the Parliament in its deliberations. This Consultation is an important and valued aspect of Gibraltar’s democratic process and I strongly encourage the public’s engagement.’