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Topic 1: Lowering the voting age in Ireland and the wider world
Introduction
Voting rights in Ireland have undergone significant transformations throughout the country's history, reflecting the evolution of its political landscape and the pursuit of democratic ideals. From the early struggles for suffrage to the establishment of a modern, inclusive electoral system, Ireland's journey towards ensuring universal voting rights has been marked by key milestones.
The foundation of Ireland's voting rights can be traced back to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Initially, the right to vote was granted to a limited section of the population, primarily those who met specific property and gender criteria. Over time, however, the Irish political landscape evolved, and the demand for greater inclusivity gained momentum.
One pivotal moment in the expansion of voting rights occurred with the introduction of the Electoral Act in 1960. This legislation abolished property qualifications for voting, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive and democratic electoral system. Subsequent amendments further extended voting rights, eliminating discriminatory practices and fostering a more equitable representation of the population.
In 1973, the voting age in Ireland was lowered from 21 to 18, reflecting a recognition of the political awareness and engagement of younger citizens. This change not only acknowledged the right of young adults to participate in shaping the country's future but also contributed to a more representative and diverse democratic process.
The Irish Constitution, adopted in 1937, has played a crucial role in shaping the framework of voting rights in the country. It guarantees the right to vote in elections and referenda as a fundamental democratic principle. Amendments to the Constitution, such as the Nineteenth Amendment in 1992, further strengthened the protection of voting rights by ensuring that citizenship was not a barrier to participation in elections.
Today, Ireland stands as a beacon of democratic principles, with a voting system that strives for inclusivity and representation. The right to vote is a cornerstone of Irish democracy, fostering civic engagement and empowering citizens to actively contribute to the political direction of their nation. As the country continues to evolve, so too will the ongoing commitment to safeguarding and expanding voting rights, ensuring that the democratic ideals enshrined in Ireland's history endure into the future.
Keywords:
Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections.
Electorate: The group of people who are allowed to vote in an election.
Electoral System: The method or process by which representatives are chosen or decisions are made through voting.
Universal Voting Rights: The principle that all eligible citizens have the right to vote without discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, or property ownership.
Elections: Formal processes where citizens choose representatives or decide on issues by casting their votes.
Referenda: A direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to accept or reject a particular proposal, often related to constitutional or significant policy changes.
Should we lower the voting age in Ireland?
Arguments for and against
Political Engagement and Education: Lowering the voting age to 16 can promote early civic engagement and political education. By allowing young people to participate in the electoral process at an earlier age, they may develop a habit of voting and gain a deeper understanding of the democratic system.
Impact of Policies on Youth: Many policies and decisions made by governments have a significant impact on the younger generation. Allowing 16-year-olds to vote ensures that their perspectives are considered in the political process, especially on issues such as education, youth employment, and climate change, which directly affect their future.
Maturity and Decision-Making Capability: Critics argue that 16-year-olds may not possess the same level of maturity and decision-making capability as older voters. They contend that individuals at 18 or older are generally more equipped to make informed choices regarding complex political issues.
Inconsistent Legal Age Limits: There are inconsistencies in legal age limits for various responsibilities and activities. For instance, while some argue that 16-year-olds are mature enough to vote, they may not have the legal capacity to engage in other activities, such as signing contracts or purchasing alcohol, until they are 18. Critics question the consistency of lowering the voting age while maintaining other age-related restrictions.
Resources
350 young people from every constituency in Ireland the chance to meet over 100 of their local TDs and Senators and share with them first-hand what they do, what they learn and the benefits of youth work for them and their communities.
Watch a short discussion on the debate to lower the voting age in Ireland.
Case Study: Belgium lowers voting age for European Elections
Source: euronews.com
Belgium and Germany have joined Austria, Greece and Malta in allowing 16 and 17-year-old to vote in the European elections.
The 2024 European Parliament elections will have a new age group going to the polls in Belgium.
Teenagers will be taking time out of the classroom to cast their ballot and decide who should sit in the European Parliament for the next five years and co-legislate on various issues from the economy to climate change.
Lowering the age restrictions adds 270,000 young people in Belgium to the voting pool.
Lauren Mason, a policy and advocacy manager for the European Youth Forum believes this is a key step to youth engagement. She is delighted but feels even more needs to be done to make young people feel heard.
“If we need young people to feel truly engaged in our democracies that means having more young people in political parties, having more young people in positions of political power, and having young people's opinions taken seriously in our politics,” said Mason.
Voting in Belgium is mandatory so 16 and 17-year-olds that register to vote will be obliged by law to follow through. The European Parliament hopes they will mobilise more than in the past.
“Young people voted less than average," said Jaume Duch, the European Parliament spokesperson, adding that first-time voters aged 18 to 25 tend to vote less on average.
Euronews spoke to one Belgian schoolgoer who is excited for this opportunity. “I think it's a really good idea because it means that we can actually change what we want to change. And so the matters that we find important, we can actually have a voice and so vote for parties or people that we think will carry these values,” said 16-year-old Alexis Macrae.
Previous EU elections show voter turnout among youth is dismally low. Now the goal is to change this tendency. And with the European election just one year away on the horizon, only time will tell if allowing teens to vote will help voter turnout.
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