What is suffrage and at what age can Australians vote?

• A. Suffrage is the right to protest; voting starts at 21.
• B. Suffrage is the right to run for office; voting starts at 16.
• C. Suffrage is the right to vote; Australians aged 18 and over can vote.
• D. Suffrage is the freedom to express opinions; voting starts at 25.

Answer: (C)

Suffrage is the right to vote in elections. In Australia, the voting age is 18, so Australians who are 18 years old or older can vote. (In practice, eligible voters who are enrolled are expected to vote in federal and most state elections, since voting is compulsory for those with eligibility.)