Elisabeth Graf as Expert on Voting at 16 in the NRW State Parliament

Elisabeth Graf was asked to provide a written statement on the inter-party draft bill to amend the constitution in order to lower the voting age in state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia to 16. The hearing on this matter took place on November 13, 2025. In her statement, she reports on research findings on differences between younger and older first-time voters, insights into the long-term effects of voting rights in adolescence, and the extent to which lowering the voting age plays a role in political education from an educational psychology perspective. Her Study found hardly any significant differences between younger voters (aged 16-17) and older first-time voters. So while it can be assumed that there is sufficient competence for voter participation, the results on long-term effects are mixed. For example, a study on Austria found no major positive or negative effects on voter turnout, political knowledge, sense of effectiveness, or polarization. However, political education could benefit from lowering the voting age through greater immediate relevance and recognition of young people's perspectives.

Further information: Link to the committee meeting | Contribution by Elisabeth Graf from 33:17