Seanad to debate extending voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds

Almost 4,500 teenagers in Carlow & Kilkenny could be closer to voting in next year’s local & European elections if a Bill before the Seanad today gets passed.

The National Youth Council of Ireland’s calling on Senators to support the extension of voting rights to 16 & 17 year olds ahead their debate on the issue today.

A Referendum would be needed to allow this age bracket to vote in a Dáil or Presidential election.

Deputy Director of the National Youth Council of Ireland, James Doorley, believes the age group is mature enough for the responsibilty of voting.