The national government is proposing a major change in the voting law potentially making voting optional for 16-18-year-olds and allowing foreigners with permanent residency to vote in national elections. Voting is currently mandatory for 18-70-year-olds.

The potential reform has sparked some controversy. While those in favor of the reform believe that this is a good step in spreading democracy and integrating the youth, those opposed believe this is simply part of a re-reelection plan for President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. We hit the streets to find out what the public thinks about the proposed changes.

Photos by Cecilia Baron

Maria Pid Sein, 45, unemployed, Caballito

I think it is a bad idea to have 16-year-olds vote. It’s a disaster. At that age, they don’t know what they are going to do in life. Each year they get worse and worse. I think it is a terrible idea. I don’t know who would vote. And if they are able to vote it is because the government has a plan for who is going to win.

Tomás Schweistein, 29, technician, Almagro

From what I understand it is going to be optional, not mandatory. And it could be a good option because if they are interested in it, in politics, it could be good. If they are interested, they should be able to vote.

Fredy Mendez, 25, cashier, Paraguay

I think it is a good idea. Before, young people lived in fear, but now there is more democracy. Young people already have the right to drink and to marry. They already know, they are already more mature, and each one can make their own decisions. From my point of view, the majority of my coworkers are in favor of Cristina [Fernández de Kirchner]. They love her because she has implemented a lot of youth programs. The older people and people from a higher class are against the government because Cristina [sic] wants a more secure country for everyone, not just them.

Eduardo Seipel, 37, policeman, Caballito

It is difficult to say because of the culture surrounding kids today. There is a group capable of voting and another group completely incapable of voting. There are kids that are more advanced and capable. And others that paint the walls and want to break everything in the city. Before, the kids loved their country, but that doesn’t exist today. They say, “We are going to break everything!” With the conditions today, they shouldn’t be voting. Once they love their country again, love their neighborhood, then maybe. Right now, they shouldn’t have that power.

Beatriz Saramiento, 60, elderly assistant, Puerto Madryn

I have my doubts. I think that there are kids who are ready and other kids who are not. I believe that some are more mature and some aren’t. I can’t say what I want exactly, I have a lot of doubts. For the future of democracy, maybe, but I am not sure if it is good or bad. But there are people who are not prepared yet. In school, there are some that are focused and driven, and others who are not. There is a lot of insecurity surrounding the issue.
 

Aldana Vera, 18, student, Villa Bosch

For me, it is a huge mistake. The reality is that if a 16-year-old is mature enough to vote, they are also old enough to find a gun and murder someone, and they should go to jail for that. If you have the right to vote, you should also have the ability to go to jail. I don’t think they should pass the law.