2026-10-29
Following the launch of their campaign to expand voting rights earlier this month, the ACT Greens have today introduced legislation in the ACT Legislative Assembly to extend the electoral franchise to permanent residents and 16- and 17-year-olds in Territory elections.
Introduced by ACT Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Democracy Andrew Braddock MLA, the Electoral (Eligibility) Amendment Bill 2026 proposes amendments to the Electoral Act 1992 that would extend eligibility to enrol and vote to approximately 45,000 permanent residents and more than 10,000 young Canberrans.
The Bill delivers on the ACT Greens' 2024 Territory election commitment, with commencement proposed for 1 February 2028, ahead of the next Territory election.
The legislation would also preserve compulsory voting, halve penalties for people under 18 who fail to enrol or vote, and extend eligibility to stand for election as an MLA.
The Bill follows calls from multicultural organisations through the Assembly's inquiry into the operation of the 2024 ACT election to consider extending voting rights to permanent residents.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Braddock MLA:
"At a time when fear and division are eroding trust in politics, Canberra needs more democracy, not less.
"Fear of migrants has too often shaped our political discourse. We need to move beyond that fear and recognise that permanent residents are already valued members of our community, not outsiders seeking permission to belong.
"We have already recognised their right to make Australia their permanent home. This Bill asks us to recognise their stake in the decisions made about that home.
"For permanent residents, Canberra is more than where they work or pay taxes. It is where they have built their lives, raised families and become part of their communities. Our electoral laws should recognise that connection."
"We are prepared to consider amendments to the operation of these reforms. The question before the Assembly is whether members support expanding the franchise in principle.
"Ultimately, this Bill is a vote of confidence in the young people and migrant communities of the ACT. We need to trust them, recognise their place in our democracy and ensure their voices are heard."