A YOUNG people’s campaign group is calling for the voting age to be reduced to 16 years ahead of next year’s local and European elections.
Youth Work Ireland is making the appeal following the reduction in voting age in Austria which saw 200,000 16- and 17-year-olds eligible to vote for the first time in last weekend’s parliamentary elections.
Youth Work Ireland spokesman Michael McLoughlin said the example set by Austria could be replicated for the upcoming elections without constitutional change.
“We clearly need to reconnect young people to the political process and extending the vote to 16-year-olds in local and European elections would be a good way to do this,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“It is a simple measure which does not involve constitutional change.”
Allowing young people to vote could help restore their faith in politics, while recognising their role in society, he added.
“Politics has a bad image in this country and this is often seen as creating cynicism and apathy among young people. However, youth organisations come across young people all the time who want to take part and contribute to their community.”
A survey conducted by the group during the last local and European elections found “huge support” for reducing the age.
“The organisation feels that the earlier voting starts the more young people will get into the habit and the higher turnout would be, particularly if voting was held in schools.”
