Eighteen-year-olds are considered too young to vote, but are defined as adults by the Civil Code, subject to full criminal responsibility and required to perform military service to protect Taiwan and its people. Those aged 16 or older can legally work and pay taxes.
Based on the principle of symmetry of rights and duties, the constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18 should not be delayed any longer. It is time to allow young people aged 18 or older to have rights in line with their duties.
Among the 230 or so countries in the world, only nine still have a voting age above 18. Most lowered their voting age to 18 in the 20th century. In the 21st century, some countries are even discussing lowering it to 16.
Other nations in East Asia have amended their laws in the past few years so that 18-year-olds can be granted full citizenship rights.
Japan made the amendment in 2015, Malaysia in 2019 and South Korea in 2020.
So why does the public not support the constitutional amendment in Taiwan?
Many Taiwanese doubt that young people understand politics, or are capable of taking care of themselves and making independent decisions. Those who oppose referendums held alongside elections are also concerned about political interference on campus.
The truth is that the younger generation has become more mature in thinking about public participation and their civic literacy is higher than ever. They pay more attention to public issues such as environmental protection, gender equality and human rights.
The referendum is to be held alongside the nine-in-one local elections on Nov. 26.
Although Taiwan is a democratic model for Asia, it is the only democracy in which 18-year-olds cannot vote.
Hopefully, there will be a successful amendment to the Constitution that keeps up with the global trends of democracy and allows the younger generation to decide their future with older Taiwanese.
In addition to encouraging young people to cherish their rights, the support of the older generations should be sought.
Wei Si-yuan works in the information technology industry.
Translated by Sylvia Hsu
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