No evidence to lower voting age: report LOWERING the voter age to 16 will not increase political participation, a study finds. Australian National University political scientist Ian McAllister has found that enfranchising Australia's 500,000 16 to 17-year-olds would not significantly increase political participation or enhance fairness. Analysis showed that voter turnout was lowest among the youngest age groups - 71 per cent for those aged 18 to 20, and 68 per cent among those aged 21 to 23. Lowering the voter age would also bring into question the age people could stand for election, Professor McAllister said. "Should 16 year-old voters be eligible to become MPs or senators?" he said.