Senator Warfield brings forward bill to give 16 and 17 year olds right to vote

SENATOR Fintan Warfield is this Wednesday bringing forward legislation that will allow the voting age in Local Government and European Parliament elections to be reduced to 16 years of age.

Mr Warfield, who is originally from Templeogue and was the former Mayor of South Dublin County, will use Sinn Fein’s Private Members’ Time this Wednesday, March 29, to bring forward an amendment bill titled Electoral (Voting at 16) Bill 2016 – which seeks to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for Local and European elections.

The Bill is also being seconded by Dublin Independent Senator Lynn Ruane, who is from Tallaght.

According to Senator Warfield: “This Bill is timely in advance of the 2019 Local and European elections, particularly given an official endorsement by the European Parliament to support voting at 16 in European Parliament elections and a recommendation of the Constitutional Convention in 2013.

“The referendum for Scottish independence and the referendum for civil marriage equality represent a reality that young people are at the cutting edge of change.

“Their voices must begin to be heard by our political representatives, who at times have proven themselves to be out of touch with young people, and in turn struggle to hold their political representatives to account.

“Only by widening the political franchise can we guarantee that the rights of young people stay firmly on the agenda of politicians.”

Seconding the bill, Senator Ruane said that it is a “sad fact” that young people, who are “most affected” by political decisions taken today have no voice in who makes those decision for them.

She said: “Inclusion of Irish citizens between the ages of 16 and 18 in the democratic process is the only way this will ever change.

“This Bill is a crucial first step in realising a stronger and more vibrant democratic contract between the Irish people and our European political representation and local government structures.”

She added: “Reducing the voting age for local government is vital to ensure the full engagement of young people with local politics and their local communities.

“Moreover, during this crucial period for the future of the European Union, we need young people to have a voice in deciding our future role in a post-Brexit EU.

“The Government have recently demonstrated a commitment to broadening democratic participation, with the recent announcement of the referendum to extend presidential voting rights to our diaspora.

“In the same spirit, we ask that they ensure the speedy passage of this legislation through the Oireachtas.”