Londonderry youth group wants the vote at 16

Enagh Youth Forum’s Management Committee says young people are disillusioned with party politics but want to deal with problems that affect their lives.

In a statement ahead of a debate on a Green Party motion to lower the voting age at Stormont next Tuesday, November 6, EYF called on local representatives to give young people the right to vote.

“It’s just not those aged over 16 that are affected by austerity; the cuts impact on everyone’s quality of life. Youth unemployment is at an all time high in this city, lack of opportunity and access to higher education is limited and these and other issues affect the quality of life of young people today.

“In short young people feel disconnected and powerless. Lets give young people a voice, make them stakeholders, link them with society and enable them to hold politicians to account,” the statement proposed.