For those young people turning 18 years of age, the most you can do is vote. At this time, the constitution will not be changed to allow 18-year-olds to run for political office. They must wait another three years until they attain the age of 21. Photo: Internet Source

The Committee of the Whole House accepted the recommendation that eligibility to sit in the House should continue to be limited to persons who have attained the age of 21, proposing no constitutional amendment to this area. Photo: Facebook/HoA

The Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome-led Constitutional Review Commission considered whether to reduce the minimum age for qualification to hold elected office from 21 to 18 years. After reviewing international electoral standards and practice, it recommended that no change be made, and that eligibility to sit in the House should continue to be limited to persons who have attained the age of 21.

The Committee of the Whole House accepted this recommendation and proposed no constitutional amendment to this area.

Rationale of Elected Members

Elected Members noted that the current age requirement reflects a long-standing constitutional settlement and is consistent with international practice, which accepts that the threshold for candidacy may reasonably be set higher than the voting age. 

They also considered that there was no strong evidence that the present rule has hindered participation in elected office to such an extent as to justify constitutional amendment at this time.

Most residents see this as a non-issue and are supportive of it staying at the age of 21 before you can run for public office.