The petition is open for signature since 17 December and could provide clarity on whether the public opinion on the issue has changed since 2015 when this idea was rejected at a referendum. Photo: Shutterstock.

The petition is open for signature since 17 December and could provide clarity on whether the public opinion on the issue has changed since 2015 when this idea was rejected at a referendum. Photo: Shutterstock.

A petition is calling for optional voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds, putting forward an idea that was previously rejected in a 2015 referendum.

The petition’s creator Luca Colling highlights the coalition of the newly formed German government’s intentions to introduce voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds. This is seen as a reflection of the increased political awareness of younger people with movements such as the Fridays for Future gaining momentum in recent times.

“Luxembourg has many committed young people who are active in the youth parliament, the youth parties and in NGOs,” points out the petition, open for signature since 17 December.

Youth for climate Luxembourg mobilised 2,500 people for a protest in September 2021 indicating an upward trend in young people’s desire for political participation.

The initiative nevertheless calls for optional voting rights for people from the 16-17 age bracket. If 4,500 people pledge their signature, the petition will be debated in parliament.

Back in 2015 Luxembourg’s electorate was asked in a referendum whether voting right should be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds. At the time, the idea was rejected. This petition could shed some light on whether support for the idea has increased.