'Votes at 16' motion to be heard by Stormont Assembly

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

Read a profile of Megan Fearon in the November issue of An Phoblacht, on sale in shops nationwide from November 1st

A MOTION calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16 is to be tabled at the Stormont Assembly by Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon on November 6th.

Megan, who was elected as an Assembly member for Newry and Armagh at the age of 20, will be proposing the motion in conjunction with the Green Party.

She said that many young people feel disenfranchised from the electoral process even though at 16 young people are very politically aware and are able to make informed choices.

“It is important that their voice is heard and we encourage as many people within society to take part in the democratic process,” Megan said.

“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.”

Pictured below: Young republicans at the Óige Poblachtach ‘No Jobs, No Future, No Way’ event in Stormont