Govt urged to rock the vote to increase election turnout
Issued : Sunday 28 January, 2007
Labour Party Representative for Dublin North Central, Senator Derek McDowell has today urged the Government to launch a major campaign in advance of this year's general election to increase voter turnout, especially among young voters.
"Voter turnout is declining steadily in Ireland and it is a trend that is damaging the quality of our democracy. Since 1970 there has been a drop of 15% in the average turnout for a general election.
"Moreover, according to a study carried out by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, of 15 western European countries surveyed Ireland ranks third from bottom in terms of voter turnout in general elections.
"The level of turnout among young voters is particularly troubling. According the National Youth Council of Ireland only 41.5% of voters aged 18-19 years and 53.4% of voters aged 20-24 years voted in the last General Election. To tackle this, the Government must make a concerted effort along with youth groups to encourage young people to take part in the democratic process.
"Innovative campaigns like the 'Rock the Vote' campaign in the United States have done much to increase voter turnout there, and a similar campaign needs to be started here.
"In order for the democratic system to be as representative as possible it is vital that Government is pro-active in terms of encouraging voter participation. I fear that corruption scandals involving the main party in Government are in a large part responsible for voter apathy. The onus must surely be on the Government now to bring these disillusioned voters back into the process."
