🗳️ From what age can you vote in Malta?

Yes

Quick answer

From 16 — Malta is one of the few countries where you vote this early. Malta lowered the voting age to 16 in all elections: first in local councils from 2015, and then, after a unanimous constitutional amendment in 2018, in general elections, European Parliament elections and referendums too. This made Malta the second EU country after Austria to grant the vote from 16 in all elections. To vote you must be a citizen (Maltese, or an EU citizen for local and European elections), 16 or older, and registered on the electoral register. The myth: that "you must be 18 to vote" — that has not been true in Malta since 2018. Voting in Malta is a right, not a duty: no one is fined for not voting, even though turnout is traditionally very high.

📋 The rules

The voting age in Malta is 16 in all elections.
Age 16 started applying to local councils in 2015 and to general and European elections from 2018.
The change for general elections was made by a constitutional amendment passed unanimously in 2018.
To vote you must be a citizen, of age, and registered on the electoral register kept by the Electoral Commission.
Voting is a right, not a duty: there is no fine for not voting.

🔓 Exceptions

EU citizens resident in Malta may vote in local and European elections, but not in national general elections.
Maltese citizens living abroad may face different rules on registration and where they vote.
People not properly registered on the electoral register cannot vote, even if otherwise eligible.

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Because voting in Malta is a right and not a duty, there is no fine for not voting — but that does not mean the electoral process has no rules. Electoral fraud, double voting, impersonating another voter or tampering with the vote are serious criminal offences under electoral law and carry fines and imprisonment. Anyone who tries to vote without being registered, or uses someone else's identity, can be prosecuted. Failing to register properly or to keep your address up to date can leave you unable to vote on election day, even though you would otherwise be eligible. The accuracy of the electoral register is overseen by the Electoral Commission, and any attempt to manipulate the register is treated as a threat to the integrity of the election.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

From what age can you vote in Malta?

From 16 in all elections. This age first applied to local council elections in 2015 and was then extended to general elections, European Parliament elections and referendums through a constitutional amendment in 2018.

Does Malta really vote from 16?

Yes, Malta is the second European Union country, after Austria, to grant the vote from 16 in all elections. The myth that "you must be 18 to vote" has not applied in Malta since 2018, when Parliament approved the change unanimously.

Is voting in Malta compulsory?

No, voting in Malta is a right and not a duty, and there is no fine for not voting. Even so, turnout in Maltese general elections is traditionally among the highest in the world, so participation is often close to the maximum.

Can an EU citizen vote in Malta?

Yes, but not in everything. EU citizens resident in Malta may vote in local council and European Parliament elections, but voting in national general elections is reserved for Maltese citizens. You also need to be registered on the electoral register.

What do you need in order to vote?

You must be an eligible citizen, at least 16 years old, and registered on the electoral register kept by the Electoral Commission. If you are not properly registered or your address is out of date, you may find you cannot vote on election day even though you would otherwise be entitled.

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