83% of young people to vote

More than eight out of 10 young people plan to vote in the general election — with Ireland’s youth more politically engaged than ever.

According to a survey of more than 500 people aged between 18 and 35, carried out by youth communications agency Thinkhouse, the marriage-equality referendum has led to a more engaged youth vote in Ireland.

It found that 92% of those surveyed are registered to vote, with 83% stating that they plan to vote in Friday’s election. This would mark a significant increase on the overall 70% turnout in the 2011 general election.

Some 60% of 18-35-year-olds said they plan to vote for “non-traditional parties”, indicating that Independent candidates seem to be favoured by many young people.

When asked which of the party leaders they liked best, 45% responded that they did “not like any of the main leaders”.

Ranking their party preference in order, young people chose Independents ahead of the Social Democrats and the Green Party.

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Young people view the economy as “the issue that will have the biggest effect on their lives”.

However, when asked what are the most important issues to them, social issues take the lead, with “repeal the 8th”, “homelessness”, and the “refugee crisis” coming out on top.

Almost 70% named social media as their go-to source of information on the election. Nearly a third said they had interacted with a politician via social media. News apps (60%) and television (57%) also ranked highly.

It's all to play for as Election 2016 campaigns enter their final days https://t.co/qJKrzBNKHd (DOD) #GE16 pic.twitter.com/7lsAXaI5Wh

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) February 22, 2016