A RedC Poll commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) shows more than three-quarters of the electorate are in favour of all elections and referenda being held on a Saturday.
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56% agree strongly that all elections/referenda should be held on a Saturday
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21% agree
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14% disagree
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7% strongly disagree
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2% don’t know
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86% of those aged 55-64 agree strongly or agree
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Support highest in Munster: 82% agree strongly or agree
“As an organisation that has been campaigning for weekend voting since 1999, we welcome the overwhelming support for Saturday voting indicated in this poll,” said James Doorley, NYCI Deputy Director.
“NYCI has consistently highlighted the fact that a weekend date will make it easier for young people in education, training or work away from home to participate. However, what is interesting about the figures here is that they show very high levels of support for Saturday voting across all age demographics – and particularly among those aged 55 to 64, where support is at 86%,” continued Mr Doorley.
“Weekend voting is the norm in the majority of European counties, with Ireland and the UK being among the few that hold weekday polls. NYCI is hopeful that this will change, and that all future elections and referenda will be held on a weekend,” concluded Mr Doorley.
Commenting on the upcoming Children’s Referendum to be held on Saturday November 10th, Mr Doorley said:
“Despite initial positive opinion polls indicating a majority of the electorate will vote Yes, NYCI will continue to campaign for a Yes vote and work to encourage a high voter turnout, especially among young people.”
As part of its campaign to increase voter turn-out, especially among younger voters the NYCI launched a web app with information on reasons to vote Yes and reminders about the referendum date. The app is available to download on www.nyci.ie
NYCI is part of Yes for Children, a national campaign led by Barnardos, the Children’s Rights Alliance, the ISPCC and Campaign for Children.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Daniel Meister, Communications Officer at NYCI on 087 781 4903 or 01 425 5955 or email communications@nyci.ie
Notes to Editors:
RedC Poll
Poll was carried out for NYCI by Red C. 1003 interviews were conducted between the 15th – 17th October among all adults, with 931 Irish Citizens – providing a sample error of + or – 3%.
National Youth Council of Ireland
NYCI is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.
www.youth.ie
NYCI Yes position
As a non-governmental and non political organisation NYCI does not normally take a position in elections/referendums. However NYCI has campaigned for a Children’s Rights amendment for many years and the NYCI board referred the matter to a vote of member organisations in accordance with NYCI Articles of Association. NYCI members advocated taking a Yes position by an overwhelming majority.
NYCI Referendum website
www.nyci.ie
Yes for Children
NYCI is part of Yes for Children, a national campaign led by Barnardos, the Children’s Rights Alliance, the ISPCC and Campaign for Children.