VANCOUVER, BC — As the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) conference brings local leaders together, the BC Green Party is unveiling new initiatives to strengthen democracy in the province. UBCM is a strong example of how community-driven proposals can effectively guide provincial policy. This proposal aims to make democracy more inclusive and engaging for all British Columbians, with a special focus on empowering young people and increasing everyday citizen participation in decisions that shape our province.
The BC Greens will:
- Lower the voting age to 16.
- Establish a Standing Citizens Assembly.
“Lowering the voting age in provincial elections to 16 will jumpstart civic engagement. By allowing teens to vote while still in high school, we can build the habit of participating in democracy early on,” said BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau. “With strengthened civics education, voting at 16 gives young people a real say in shaping their future, while sparking family conversations that can increase overall voter turnout and trust in the system.”
Countries like Denmark have shown that 16 and 17-year-olds are more likely to vote while they’re still connected to their families and schools, that bringing elections to the family dining table also improves turnout amongst their parents and adults in their lives – creating whole families of lifelong voters. British Columbia would join a wave of countries building on their democracy in this manner, including the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Estonia.
The BC Greens will also create a Standing Citizens Assembly – a diverse group of 40 randomly selected citizens who meet to deliberate and offer recommendations on key issues like climate change and infrastructure. This assembly acts as a fresh voice in the political process, ensuring a broader range of perspectives are heard and leading to smarter, more innovative policy solutions.
The assembly would convene every two years, offering a unique way for British Columbians to take an active role in shaping policy.
“With elections every four years, lowering the voting age ensures that everyone will have voted by the time they turn 20, creating a generation of engaged, informed citizens,” continued Furstenau. “And with a Citizens’ Assembly providing fresh, independent insights, we can address the big challenges ahead with more creativity and public trust.”
The BC Greens plan to introduce these changes in time for the next provincial election, expected in 2028. Together, these reforms will make BC’s democracy more inclusive, engaging, and resilient for the future.
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