Before World War II, you had to be 21 years old to vote in almost all countries. By the end of the Millennium, most countries lowered voting age to 18, which is now the norm today. Though most countries prefer citizens to be 18 to vote, many allow people to vote at younger ages. Voting ages world over, range from 16 to 25 years old, varying by country, and also on the type of elections held.
Argentina
The voting age begins at 16 and is optional between 16 to 18 years. After turning 19, voting becomes compulsory in all local and national elections.
Austria
Austria has nine constituent states, and in five of them, citizens 16 years old can vote. The enthusiastic participation of these youngsters in these states enabled the federal government to lower the age for all EU and national elections. Austria found that younger voters participate as much as older voters. A Member of Parliament strongly believes that young people must vote as they have different needs and desires than older citizens.
Germany
Since 1996, seven German states allow all above 16 to vote in local elections. Since then, most constituent states lowered voting ages for municipal and regional elections. Many feel strongly about lowering the voting age for all elections. Many people are against reducing voting ages as younger people vote more on current trends and popularity, but research reveals that younger voters rarely upset the political balance.
Brazil
In 1988, Brazil lowered the general voting age from 18 to 16, for all elections. In Brazil, those between 16 to 18, can vote optionally, only if they are 16 by May 31 in an election year. Between the ages, 18 to 70, voting is mandatory for all.
Cuba
All citizens above 16, can vote except those have seeking to emigrate. Voting in Cuba is mandatory, and participation is high. There are a few spoiled ballots even with high numbers of voters.
Scotland
Since October 2007, Scotland lowered the voting age to 16, unanimously, subject to Scottish Parliament approval. In June 2013, the voting age was lowered to 16 for the Scottish Independence Referendum and in June 2015, Parliament lowered voting age to 16 for all local government and Scottish Parliament elections.
Ecuador
One must be over 16 years old, and a citizen of the country, or had lived in the country for over five years. Non-citizens can also vote in national elections if they lived in the country for the last five years. Voting is optional for those above 16, but for those over 18, it is required by law for those 18 or older. After 65 years, citizens can stop voting.
Malta
The voting age is now 16 for all local elections since November 2013 as the proposal was welcomed by all in the country. In January 2018, the voting age for referenda, general election and European Parliament was lowered to 16 and in March 2018, Parliament amended the Constitution for lowering the voting age.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is one of the three British Crown dependencies, but lowered voting age to 16 for all general elections. The House of Keys approved a lower age limit in July 2006 while the other Crown dependencies followed shortly after.