Lowering the voting age to 16 to elect local and regional councillors could boost engagement with democracy longer term, several southern leaders said.
It might also be a forerunner to lowering the voting age for general elections, some said.
An Otago Daily Times online and phone-in poll added to evidence lowering the voting age would be unpopular.
The unscientific poll attracted 1650 responses and 78.5% favoured the status quo.
The issue has come into focus this week since the Supreme Court determined a voting age of 18 was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act.
That will prompt legislation, but a push to lower the voting age for general elections will almost certainly fail to attract enough support in Parliament, because a majority of 75% would be needed.
However, a move to change the voting age for councils would only need to clear 50%.
New Gore Mayor Ben Bell doubted such a move would improve turnout much in local elections, but he supported a voting age of 16.
"Anything to get younger people involved in voting is a great thing," Mr Bell, who was elected to office at age 23, said.
Otago regional councillor Alexa Forbes wanted a lower voting age for both local and general elections.
"The future belongs to this age group and they have a view that should be expressed and heard," Cr Forbes said.
Her colleague Alan Somerville agreed.
"In view of the Supreme Court's recent decision and the other arguments of the Make It 16 campaign, I fully support a move to lower the voting age for local elections," Cr Somerville said.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said lowering the age would increase a substantial pool of non-voters.
Otago regional councillor Kevin Malcolm suggested "non-ratepayers" had enough influence already.
New Otago regional councillor Elliot Weir, elected at age 21, said lowering the voting age for council elections could be an excellent first step on the path to full voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Cr Weir said they were more likely to vote for the first time than people aged 18 to 24, and then continue voting.
"Research has also shown that 16- to 17-year-olds are just as informed as older voters, if not more so."
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said "it could be quite refreshing to have a voting cohort that approaches issues with their eyes wide open".
Dunedin deputy mayor Sophie Barker said enabling younger people to vote should improve life-long engagement with the electoral process.
Dunedin city councillor Carmen Houlahan said young people should have a voice.
"The decisions we make or don’t make for our city have a direct impact on the future for youth living in our city," Cr Houlahan said.
City councillor Steve Walker said they already held positions of responsibility.
"We are talking about a large cohort of our population who can consent to sex, drive a car, own a firearms licence, leave school and home, work full-time and thus pay income tax," he said.
Otago Regional Council chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said local government needed to encourage community participation in decisions.
Southland Mayor Rob Scott said he would support a lower voting age for council elections if this coincided with civic education in schools.
By Grant Miller and Staff Reporters
