The World - News from March 4, 1988

Brazil’s Constituent Assembly has voted to lower the voting age to 16. The action of the assembly, which is drafting a new constitution, would add about 10 million voters to the nation’s electoral roll if the new constitution is ratified. The plan was approved by the assembly, 355 to 98. At present, voting is compulsory for all Brazilians 18 and over. Under the new constitutional provision, voting for those between the ages of 16 and 18 would be a right but not a legal obligation.