EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill amends the Election Act to lower the age for persons to be eligible to vote in an election to the Legislative Assembly from 18 years to 16 years. Related amendments are made throughout the Act.

Bill 38 2018

An Act to amend the Election Act with respect to voter eligibility

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

1 Clause 15 (1) (a) of the Election Act is repealed and the following substituted:

  (a)  has attained 16 years of age;

2 The heading immediately before section 17.7 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Provisional Register of 14 and 15 Year Olds

3 (1)  Subsection 17.7 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out "16 or 17 years of age" and substituting "14 or 15 years of age".

(2)  Subsection 17.7 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out "18" wherever it appears and substituting in each case "16".

4 Paragraph 2 of subsection 17.14 (2) of the Act is amended by striking out "18" and substituting "16".

Commencement

5 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

6 The short title of this Act is the Youth Political Engagement Act, 2018.