The Age Criterion to Vote in General Elections: Iran and Comparative Law

Nowadays the representative democracy i.e. application of sovereignty by people's representatives, is a common principle in theory and practice of public law. Definition of the people as electors or voters is an important issue in this situation. In all countries, "age" is recognized as a criterion for electors, but its quantity is not consistent. In legal viewpoint, more quantity of the age and suffrage, more the quality and logic in decisions of electors. This article analyzes the age criteria to vote in Iranian legal system and comparative election law. The article concludes that Iranian election laws shall be amended and increase the age threshold of voting from 15 and/or 16 to 18 years old.