The Stormont Assembly has passed a motion urging the British government to lower the voting age in Northern Ireland to 16, aligning with Scotland and Wales. The motion, championed by Sinn Féin's Danny Baker and amended by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, also encourages the Minister of Education to enhance civic education.
The Stormont Assembly has passed a motion calling on the voting age in Northern Ireland to be lowered to 16 in line with Scotland and Wales.
“Young people should not be forced to depend on older voters to represent their distinct interests and varied values. “Labour’s own manifesto committed to votes at 16 so it should now either legislate for this or transfer the necessary powers to the Assembly so we can do it ourselves.” Sian Mulholland said that over the last decade, there is now a "wealth of evidence" including in Europe, South America, Wales and Scotland where 16 and 17-year-olds have the right to vote that it has led to positive engagement among young people.
Opposing the motion, the DUP's Brian Kingston said that his party do not support lowering the voting age.
Voting Age Northern Ireland Stormont Assembly Sinn Féin British Government
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