This is what can happen, if you fail to Vote!

 YOUTH VOTING

Voting is an important civil right, it is a legal right, privilege and responsibility. The democratic process gives the voter a voice  in their society to effect change and ensure that the society is equall and fair. voting has the power to determine the future of a country, every vote counts and it is vital to use it.

The voting age in Ireland is 18yrs, there are variations in voting age, according to internal electoral rules of each member state of the European Union.

In Ireland, young people represent 20% of qualified voters according to 2010 census. Some of these young people are at the end of the poverty spectrum, therefore need to get involved in Active Citizenship through Voting, to elect Political leaders with passion for Social Justice, thereby creating a fair and equal society.

It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the following political transition to include young people in the Democratic process:

• Ireland reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1973.
• In 2007 Austria became the first European country to reduce the voting age to 16 for all elections. Therefore 16 and 17 year olds were able to vote in the Federal (General) elections held in Austria in September 2008. 
• In Germany seven out of sixteen of the constituent states have lowered the voting age to 16 years.
• Norway, with the aim of rejuvenating democracy, is now allowing 16-year old to vote in some of the local elections.
• In Slovenia 16 and 17 year olds can vote if they have a job. 
• In one canton in Switzerland, Glarus, the voting age has been lowered to 16 for local and regional elections.
• The Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey have lowered the voting age to 16 years in recent years. 
• Proposals to lower the voting age in the UK are currently being considered.

In the last 60 years it has been reduced to 18 in most countries. This proves that the voting age is not static, but it is something that changes as our societies develop and mature. As illustrated above many countries have now reduced their voting age, however, before Ireland considers this, we need to create awareness in young people the importance of voting and the effect of using their vote can have on the society.

Given the decline in voters participation, we believe the best way to address this problem is to implement a series of measures to facilitate a greater voters turn out, particularly among young people which begins with this campaign to raise awareness.

LIMITATIONS TO YOUTH VOTING

 

National Youth Council of Ireland has revealed the barriers and issues that young people face in relation to voting. The survey involved 1,020 young people aged between 18-25 years, to investigate the attitudes of Ireland’s youth.

The key issues addressed in the survey were the number of young people on the electoral register, voters turnout among young people and views/opinions of young people.

REASONS WHY YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE

Young people 18n and over can leave school, seek employment, pay taxes, marry, drink alcohol legally and be detained under the criminal justice system, these infer that young people are part of society, and as such voting insures they are active citzens.

• Young people over 18, have rights and responsibility as a citizen, to take an active part in electing political representatives.
• Youth are best placed to advise and inform on decisions which directly affect them and their community.
• They are part of the society and it is their responsibility to speak for themselves through voting .
• They should have a say about their future because they are the next generation.
• They have innovative ideas and often view the world from different standpoint.
• Young people are not only the future voters but can also be a great force in the present political system.

SOME OF THE REASONS WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DON’T VOTE 
In a focus group of 15  18- 23 year olds we spoke with them about their blocks in relation to voting some of the feedback is outlined below:

• 'The politicians aren’t our age and they aren’t interested in our issues at all'
•  'Sure, my one vote won’t make any difference'
•  'Politicians are all the same, they never kept their promises'
•  'Politics is just so boring'
• They don't understand the process of votting - lack of adequate information
• They don't understand the connection between voting and having a say in their future

HOW DO YOU VOTE?

• Check the Register of Electors to make sure that your name is on it.  Copies of the register are kept in your local library, garda station and also on-line. 
• If your name is not on the register, you can follow this link to register http://www.checktheregister.ie/PublicPages/AppForms.asp   
• At the election period, you will get a Polling Card in the post. It has your name and the name of the Polling Station where you can vote.    
•  At the polling station, your names will be crossed off the list , you are then given a Ballot Paper with a list of the names of all the candidates in alphabetical order on it.    
•  Put the number beside the candidate you want to elected to represent you.
• Fold your Ballot Paper and put it in the Ballot box.
• Voting is complete.