MLA appeals for voting age to be lowered to 16

MLA appeals for voting age to be lowered to 16

16 April 2025

A LOCAL politician has called for the age young people can vote to be lowered to 16.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason said Stormont makes decisions that impact the lives of children and young people every day, but does so without them having a direct role or a part to play in the process.

Teenagers must be 18 before they can vote but the Sinn Fein politician said 16 and 17 year-olds are not just citizens of the future, but are now.

Describing this cohort of young people as the “cornerstone of our communities,” Mrs Mason said they play an active and valuable role in society.

“At 16 you can make your own decisions about your education and healthcare, start work, pay tax and national insurance, and claim benefits,” she said.

“The notion that they teenagers aren’t mature or able enough to play a role in the democratic process is nonsense,” she declared.

“In Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17 year olds have the right to elect their MSPs and their Welsh Assembly members. In the European Union, Austria, Germany, and Malta have all extended their voting rights to over 16s.

“This has produced a more engaged, more vocal and more diverse electorate. However, in the North and across Ireland, young people are denied this opportunity.”

Mrs Mason argued when young people can vote from aged 16, there are higher rates of turnout than 18 to 24 year-olds – with 75 per cent voting and 97 per cent saying they would vote again in future elections. 

“They access more information from a wider variety of sources than any other age group, making them one of the most informed groups at the polling station,” she continued.

“The evidence is clear on the impact this will have: if you vote now, you are more likely to vote in the future. 18 year olds who don’t vote become 50 year olds who don’t vote. 16 and 17 year olds who do vote will continue to vote as they age.”

Mrs Mason believes that extending the right to vote would also allow for a “seamless transition” from learning about voting to putting it into practice and exercising that right. 

She continued: “We cannot deny the next generation of voters who have studied the democratic process the right to use this knowledge at council and Assembly elections. That’s a missed opportunity. It is only fair that their voices translate into political power.

“Sinn Féin has always advocated for an inclusive, progressive society, and one where everyone has the right to shape the future; where the voices of young people are not only heard, but are listened to. 

“Our vision for a new and united Ireland is built on equality, justice and inclusivity. Allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote ensures that we give a voice to those who have the biggest stake in our future.”

Mrs Mason said decisions made today are the ones these young people will inherit tomorrow.

She said empowering them with a vote is encouraging a lifetime of political engagement.

“Our democracy will be richer for it and our society fairer,” the MLA continued.

Mrs Mason said Shea O’Hare is one young person in South Down who is already politically engaged, having completed his work experience with her last November. 

“Both in my constituency office in Downpatrick and in Stormont, his enthusiasm and passion was clear to see in each and every task he completed. We must not continue to sideline his voice and the opinions of 16 and 17 year olds who deserve a direct role in shaping their future.”

Mrs Mason added: “Let’s ensure that the democratic process can be open to all. It is time to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds.”