Switzerland debates lowering voting age to 16

Debates regarding lowering the voting age to 16 continue across Switzerland. In Basel, political parties including the FDP, LDP, and SVP have expressed strong opposition to a proposal to introduce the voting age of 16 at the level of the Bürgergemeinde (citizen community). They argue the move is unconstitutional, as the cantonal constitution only permits the expansion of political rights for resident municipalities, not citizen communities. An oversight commission reportedly reached a unanimous conclusion that the project is not constitutionally compliant.

Separately, the canton of Graubünden is preparing for a vote on September 27 regarding the voting age of 16. This follows a long history of similar proposals across Switzerland; of the nine cantons that have voted on the issue, eight have rejected it. The only successful implementation occurred in Glarus in 2007. These proposals specifically concern active voting rights, allowing youths to participate in elections without the right to stand for office.