Empowering Young Voters: Should Schools Be the Next Frontier for Voter Registration?

Villagers in Lovoni, Ovalau, are advocating for the Electoral Commission to initiate voter registration drives in schools to better engage young adults in the electoral process. During recent public consultations on the revision of Fiji’s electoral laws, Siteri Tabuatolu from Nasaumatua Village emphasized that many individuals aged 18 to 20 years are often students who miss out on crucial voter education and registration opportunities while attending school.

Ms. Tabuatolu pointed out, “We should have more voting drives in schools,” and noted that many young adults are typically occupied with their education during elections, highlighting a significant gap in voter awareness and education among this demographic. The proposal received broad support from local residents who echoed her sentiments regarding the need for increased engagement of young voters.

The discussion drew attention from the Electoral Commission chairman, Daniel Fatiaki, who questioned the suitability of the voting age. He reflected on his experiences growing up in a different context where 21 was the age of maturity, suggesting a need to reassess whether 18 is an appropriate age for making electoral decisions. Several villagers echoed this concern, proposing that the voting age be reconsidered, potentially moving it to 20 or 21, as they believe many young individuals may not be adequately ready to make informed choices.

This dialogue aligns with ongoing efforts by the Electoral Law Reform Commission, which is committed to improving the electoral landscape and addressing pressing issues such as the underrepresentation of women in politics. Similar discussions have highlighted the importance of engaging Fiji’s youthful population, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate.

As the commission prepares for further consultations, there is hope that these reforms can create a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Fiji. By ensuring that young voters have access to education and opportunities to express their views, the country could be on track to nurturing a political environment that reflects the voices and needs of all its citizens.