Youth Council urges almost 700,000 young people to get out and vote on Friday
- 578,104 Irish Citizens aged 18-29 entitled to vote in local and European elections and Referendum
- 634,978 Irish and EU Citizens (56,874) entitled to vote in Locals and Europeans
- 672,640 Irish, EU and other residents (37,662) in Locals
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) – which represents organisations working with over 380,000 young people nationwide – is encouraging young people to get to the polls and ensure they cast their vote on May 24th.
James Doorley, NYCI deputy director explained: “Based on census data* there are 578,104 Irish citizens aged 18-29, who if registered are entitled to vote in the coming local and European elections and divorce referendum. For the local and European Parliament elections where Irish and other EU citizens can vote, that number climbs to 634,978. Finally when all young people 18-29 years resident in Ireland is included, there are 672, 640 young people eligible to vote in the local elections.
“These are important elections, our local councilors make key decisions affecting our communities over the next five years and it is important that young people have a say in deciding who they are. Likewise, our MEPs will have a key role in determining the future of the EU and contributing to key issues such as social inclusion, climate action and Brexit. Finally, young people will have an opportunity to determine if we change our constitution on the issue of divorce, so it is important young people get out and give their opinion. That is why NYCI is encouraging this age group in particular to make sure they make their voices heard on this coming Friday, May 24th.
Voters – not opinion polls – decide results
“We are hopeful that the extraordinary level of youth voter registration seen in recent years will be matched by a high level of youth voter turnout. But it’s important to remember that the result will be decided by those who turn out. Given the importance of each and every vote, it really is vital that people do get out and vote on the day,” concluded Mr Doorley.
First-time voters: what you need to know
The Youth Council is also making instructions available to first time voters on www.youth.ie/vote letting them know what they need, and what to expect when they get to the polling station.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Daniel Meister, Communications Manager at NYCI on 01 425 5955 or 087 781 4903 or email communications@nyci.ie
National Youth Council of Ireland
The National Youth Council of Ireland is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.