The UK Labour Government today officially announced that 16- and 17-year-olds in Northern Ireland will gain the right to vote in all UK elections, including Westminster and devolved contests, joining their peers in Scotland and Wales. The NI Youth Forum warmly welcomes this historic development as a monumental victory following years of dedicated campaigning.
For over a decade, NI Youth Forum has led the call to extend the voting franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds. Today’s announcement stands as a testament to these relentless efforts and to the transformative power of youth-led advocacy.
In close partnership with the Electoral Commission, NI Youth Forum has played a key role in shaping proposals around voter registration, promoting inclusive civic education, and raising awareness of the diverse voting systems used in Northern Ireland. NI Youth Forum looks forward to continuing this collaboration to ensure a smooth rollout, youth-friendly registration processes, and accessible polling protocols.
NI Youth Forum urges the UK Government & NI Executive to move swiftly in embedding this reform ahead of the next Northern Ireland Assembly & Local Government Elections in 2027. Key priorities include:
- Introducing age-appropriate, impartial democratic education into the curriculum.
- Providing tailored training for professionals working with young people.
- Strengthening understanding of local and regional government.
- Creating more opportunities for youth engagement with elected representatives and policymakers to build trust and ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.
