Rise in number of youths not registered to vote

The number of young voters failing to register is on the increase, a survey has found.

At the local and European elections in May, 43% of 18-21-year-olds had not registered to vote, while the figure for 18-25-year-olds was fewer than one in three at 30%.

This is an increase from 36% and 26%, respectively, on a similar survey five years ago, according to the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Some 54% of young voters who did register voted in May, according to the Red C poll of 412 people for the youth council.

Its deputy director, James Doorley, said the survey is proof the registration system needs to be modernised.

“We are concerned that the number of young people registered has actually decreased from 2009,” he said.

“These findings demonstrate once again that the current voter registration system is outdated and failing and must be overhauled.

“The survey confirms anecdotal evidence that many young people who do want to vote are prevented from doing so because they are not registered in time.

“Action is now long overdue. Setting up the Electoral Commission is only the first step; such a body must review and reform the electoral registration system to bring it into the 21st century. Ideally, young people should be automatically registered when they reach voting age.”

The poll also recorded who young people voted for in May, with Independents coming out on top with 29%.

Sinn Féin took 26%, Fianna Fáil had 23%, Fine Gael 11%, and Labour received 6%.