Youth Voter Registration Drive ahead of Civil Marriage Equality Referendum

Youth Voter Registration Drive ahead of Civil Marriage Equality Referendum

Wednesday, 05 November 2014 

Ahead of the anticipated Civil Marriage Equality Referendum in spring 2015, BeLonG To – Ireland’s national LGBT Youth Organisation – today launches an online campaign encouraging all young adults – from 18-25 –  to register to vote as part of the YES EQUALITY voter registration drive. 

All recent polling indicates that Irish young people are eager for change, they want to create a more open and equal Ireland with over 88% of 18 – 25 year olds polled reporting they would vote in favour of Civil Marriage Equality at the upcoming referendum. However, the latest statistics on youth voter registration show that over one third of 18 – 25 year olds are not registered to vote. 

Speaking today, Michael Barron, Founding Director of BeLonG To said, “We know that Ireland is ready for this change and that Irish young people really want a fair and equal society. Irish young people have always been agents for progressive change and today we are reaching out to all young adults aged 18-25 to say – this is your opportunity to create the society the you want – this is your generation’s decision. By registering to vote by 25th November and coming out to vote for civil marriage equality you will help our country turn over a new leaf and create the modern society that you deserve and can be proud of” 

From today until the November 25th deadline you can change or update your details on the draft register of electors using a very simple form RFA1 (available from your local post office, public library or local council), you won’t need to visit a Garda station to have the form stamped. 

You can learn more about registering to vote and download a copy of the form from the website www.yesequality.ie/register/ 

Anna Quigley, chairperson with BeLonG To added “Young people have a pivotal role to play in the forthcoming referendum and shaping the future of Irish society. However despite extremely positive polling results indicating a potential positive outcome in the referendum, we cannot be complacent. Our work starts here and now by ensuring that every young person is registered to vote next Spring, as without them we cannot win.“ 

WATCH THE Campaign VIDEO ‘It’s In Your Hands: register to vote for Civil Marriage Equality’ HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckcRa5lWyQA