Votes at 16 EU campaign backed by Martina Anderson MEP

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

'It is absolutely vital that young people have the right to vote for politicians who will make decisions that often heavily impact upon their lives'

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has met with representatives from the National Youth Council Ireland and strongly welcomed the initiative to lower the minimum age to vote to 16.

Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Martina said:

“I have signed the Written Declaration 27 which calls for the EU member states to lower the minimum voting age. Elected representatives across the board need to wake up and recognise the widening gap between themselves and the citizens – especially the younger generation – they represent."

“Much more must be done to engage with this sector of society and it is absolutely vital that young people have the right to democratic participation, voting for politicians who will make decisions which will often heavily impact upon their lives.”