Mehr Demokratie wagen! Eine politikwissenschaftliche Replik auf die juristische Einschätzung zur Absenkung der Altersgrenze für das aktive Wahlrecht zum Deutschen Bundestag

Abstract

This article examines the debate surrounding the proposed lowering of the voting age from eighteen to sixteen for German Bundestag elections, from a political science perspective . The author carefully considers and counters the arguments raised by Lukas Sairinger in ZParl 2/2022, specifically with regards to concerns about the dignity of the elected institution and the political maturity of younger voters . By presenting empirical evidence from subnational elections in Germany and national elections in Austria and Scotland, the article provides a compelling case for the potential positive impact that a lower voting age could have on youth political engagement and the democratic process . However, problems arising from the current federal heterogeneity also become apparent, which is why there is a call for standardization . Finally, lowering the voting age should be accompanied by programs in the field of political education to counter socio-economic differences in political participation .