Pizza, politics and the election age: Talks to have a say!

Pizza, politics and the election age: Talks to have a say!

In the lively discussion about the right to vote for young people, the Function Association plays a central role with its event “Pizza and Politics”. On March 8, 2026, 16-year-olds are allowed to vote for the state election-a decision that could change the political landscape in the Rems-Murr district. The event takes place in October 2024 in the Waiblinger newspaper house and offers young people the opportunity to deal directly with the candidates of their choice. ZVW reports that…

Another meeting is already planned for July 9th in the Kulturhaus Schwanen in Waiblingen. Here the dialogue between young voters and the political actors is further deepened. The founding members of the association, Sara Schmalzried and Maya Tillett, are consistently committed to the concerns of young people and create platforms for their political participation.

The importance of the election age

The lowering of the age is a hotly discussed topic. While 16-year-olds are allowed to vote in many federal states at local or state-political level, this remains a controversial topic nationwide. In a German context, the turnout has continuously decreased since the 1970s, which is all the more underlining the relevance of voting as an expression of democratic participation. An interesting aspect: under 18-year-olds are not entitled to vote in Bundestag and European elections, but some federal states enable younger voters to participate in the state parliament or local elections. The Federal Center for Political Education says that ...

The Reform Commission of the German Bundestag deals intensively on the topic of "voting from 16", especially with regard to the reactions to the young climate protests. Since the first step in 1996 in Lower Saxony, which has reduced the election age for local elections, some federal states have joined this example, while others adhere to the 18-year regulation. But in recent years there has been a noticeable trend to reduce the age, also by reorienting the Free Democratic Party and the approval of the CDU in Baden-Württemberg.

young people in focus

The Function Association sees itself as a bridge between the young voters and the political landscape. The upcoming events are an important step to integrate young voices into the discussion. As children and youth participation Baden-Württemberg informed, speakers such as Michael Schwandt, head of the human rights education at the German Institute for Human Rights, will come to my mind and insights into the importance give political participation. An opaque process, however, is to pay a 95 euros in participation, including meals where drinks cost.

The demand for a reduction in the election age is supported by many young people. There are both institutional as well as mature and attitude-related arguments that speak against the fear that young people are not politically ripe enough. The findings from the 2019 youth election study show that 16- and 17-year-olds are shaped by a respectable political interest- it is not just about having the right to vote, but also promoting commitment.