Argentinian lawmakers passed a new measure Wednesday lowering the nation’s voting age to 16.
Representatives in the South American country’s lower house overwhelmingly voted in favor of the law Wednesday. A majority of senators approved it last week.
The move to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 comes a year before a key mid-term election in Argentina, and some critics have said it’s an attempt by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her party to garner more votes.
But supporters of the measure say it will give young people more opportunities to participate in politics.
“I think it’s important that the law reflects reality,” said Rep. Hector Recalde of the Victory Front party.
“Reality indicates that the participation of young people is increasing in our country. It’s good that it’s this way.”
Rep. Eduardo Amadeo of the Peronist Front party offered a more cynical take on the nation’s youth.
“If you ask me what is the worst social problem in Argentina, it is the youth. Education is worse. The consumption of drugs is worse.
Employment is worse. Things like teen pregnancy, they are much worse than they were at the beginning of this government, and now the government has discovered them and they say, we are going to vote,” he said.
Nahuel Armando, a student in Buenos Aires, said lowering the voting age would be a positive move.
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