Councillor in Tipperary calls for students to be pre-registered to vote while in school
During a recent council meeting held in Clonmel, Cllr Liam Browne asked could the local authority go into schools and pre-register voters early on, while also teaching them political participation.
A presentation was given to Tipperary County Council’s monthly meeting in June on the Electoral Commission’s oversight report regarding electoral registers.
The presentation was given by Ger Walsh, and while praising the report councillors voiced changes they’d like to see in regards to the electoral system.
Speaking about the report, Cllr Liam Browne asked could the local authority go into schools and pre-register voters early on, while also teaching them political participation.
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“Kids can pre-register at 16-17 years of age. I think the local authorities have a role to go into schools and pre-register students in transition year.
You’d get a huge amount of people in a very short period of time that would be on the register.” he explained.
Mr Walsh replied stating that the council works with schools and there is a 2.1% increase in 16-17 years olds on the register.