An opinion piece by Sinn Féin Cathy Mason MLA on the issues of voting being lowered to 16 years
Younger people deserve the right to vote at the age of 16+ says Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason.
The South Down MLA said: “In Stormont, we make decisions that impact the lives of children and young people every day, however,xa0we do this without younger people having a direct role or a part to play in this process.
“16 and 17-year olds are not just citizens of the future… they are full and equal citizens as of now.
“They are the cornerstone of our communities, and they play an active and valuable role in our society.
“At 16 you can make your own decisions about your education and healthcare, start work, pay tax and national insurance, and claim benefits. The notion that they aren’t mature or able enough to play a role in the democratic process is nonsense!
“In Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17-year olds have the right to elect their MSPs and their Welsh Assembly members. In the European Union, Austria, Germany, and Malta have all extended their voting rights to over 16s.
“This has produced a more engaged, more vocal and more diverse electorate.
“In the North, and across Ireland, young people are denied this opportunity. When they can vote, 16 and 17-year olds have higher rates of turnout than 18 to 24-year-olds – with 75 per cent voting and 97 per cent saying they would vote again in future elections.
“This younger section of the population accessed more information from a wider variety of sources than any other age group, making them one of the most informed groups at the polling station.
“The evidence is clear on the impact this will have: if you vote now, you are more likely to vote in the future.
“18-year olds who don’t vote become 50-year olds who don’t vote. 16 and 17-year olds who do vote will continue to vote as they age.
“Extending the right to vote would also allow for a seamless transition from learning about voting to putting it into practice and exercising that right.
“We cannot deny the next generation of voters who have studied the democratic process the right to use this knowledge at council and assembly elections. That is a missed opportunity.
“It is only fair that their voices translate into political power!
“Sinn Féin have always advocated for an inclusive, progressive society, and one where everyone has the right to shape the future.
“A society where the voices of young people are not only heard, but are listened to.
“Our vision for a new and united Ireland is built on equality, justice and inclusivity.
“Allowing 16 and 17-year olds to vote ensures that we give a voice to those who have the biggest stake in our future.
“The decisions we make today are the ones they will inherit tomorrow, and by empowering young people with the vote, we encourage a lifetime of political engagement. Our democracy will be richer for it, and our society fairer.
“Shea O’Hare is one young person in South Down who is already politically engaged, having completed his work experience with me in November 2024.
“Both in my constituency office in Downpatrick and up on the hill in Stormont, his enthusiasm and passion was clear to see in each and every task he completed.xa0
“We must not continue to sideline his voice, and the opinions of 16 and 17-year olds who deserve a direct role in shaping their future.
“Let’s ensure that the democratic process can be open to all … it is time to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17-year olds!”
