Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-12-09
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has voiced his support for a measure that would lower the voting
(CNA file photo)
age in referendums from 20 to 18.
The measure is part of a bill to amend the Referendum Act. The bill passed its second reading in the Legislature Friday.
During an interview Saturday, Ko said that setting the voting age for referendums at 18 is becoming a global norm. However, he said he was surprised to see that polling on the issue showed that fewer than half of voters want to see the age for voting in referendums lowered.
However, Ko said that 18-20 year-olds can be tried for crimes under Taiwan’s criminal code. He said he supports lowering the age for voting in referendums in the interests of striking a balance between responsibilities and rights. [FULL STORY]