Give More Thought to Lowering Singapore's Voting Age to 18

The recent election saw a divergence in inter-generational satisfaction in electoral outcomes. A bigger voice for youth can narrow the satisfaction gap.

- Elvin Ong

Over the past few years, there have been calls from some quarters to lower Singapore's voting age to 18. They cite Singapore as one of the few states in the world where the minimum voting age is 21, highlighting a mismatch with existing legislation.

After all, 18-year-old Singaporeans can get married, do national service, be appointed as company directors and be polling and counting agents during elections.

Others argue that 18-year-old Singaporeans are not mature enough to exercise their vote. They claim that they do not have enough life experience or knowledge to exercise their votes meaningfully.

These arguments do not consider the importance of guarding against diverging inter-generational satisfaction in electoral outcomes, and promoting youth voices for inclusive policymaking. Acknowledging both makes a stronger case for lowering the voting age to 18.

INTER-GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES Existing survey data suggests that there are persistent inter-generational differences in satisfaction in electoral outcomes and preferences in Singapore.

In YouGov's post-election survey conducted between May 4 and 9, 2025, Gen Z voters aged between 21 and 28 expressed more disappointment and being less pleased with the outcome of the recently concluded general election.

Only 47 per cent said they were pleased with the election outcome, as opposed to 62 per cent among those above 60 years old. Thirty-five per cent also said they were disappointed with the election outcome, as opposed to 29 per cent among those above 60.

These numbers track closely with historical post-election surveys conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). In those surveys, IPS tracks the proportion of voters it classifies as "pluralists" — those who agree there is a need for change in the electoral system, and for more diverse views and checks and balances in Parliament.