Over 1200 young people may miss out on chance to vote

Over 1,200 young people in Westmeath have turned 18 in the last twelve months - but the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) believes they have not yet all registered to vote.


The registration deadline for the register that will be in force for next year’s general election, is November 25.


Anyone who fails to register by that date will have to look to be included in the supplementary register.


James Doorley, NYCI deputy director explained: “We are especially anxious to ensure that 1219 young people who have turned 18 in the last 12 months in Westmeath are included in the electoral register and can exercise their democratic right.


“On November 1 last, all local authorities published the draft register of electors, so those who are unsure if they are registered can check online at www.checktheregister.ie.


“If having checked online applicants find that they are not on the register or want to add their name because they have now reached voting age, they have until Wednesday November 25 to get the relevant form to their local authority.


“Applicants need to fill in an RFA1 form which is available on the www.checktheregister.ie site or at local post offices and libraries.”
He said that aany young person who will be 18 years on or before February 15th 2016, is eligible to be registered now.