The Ulster Unionist Party will today support the lowering of the voting age in the United Kingdom to 16.
East Antrim MLA, Roy Beggs said:
“There is a disconnect between the electorate and what is happening in Stormont, in particular it is clear that our young people in Northern Ireland feel disenfranchised.’
“The Ulster Unionist Party is supporting the call to lower the voting age in the UK to 16 because we believe that it would send out a very strong message that politicians do want to engage with young people here. It is vital that they are able to make themselves heard in our democratic system.’
“I meet lots of groups in Stormont every week and some of the most passionate speakers are from the younger generation. It is important that we recognise what they have to offer to society and I believe that enabling them to vote at the age of 16 is a positive way of doing this.’