SU-2526-11
24-11-2025
Comhairle Notes
That the mission of our Comhaltas is to “represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society” and that the Comhaltas has previously campaigned in favour of numerous changes to our national constitution, as well as electoral system.
Comhairle Further Notes
That some University of Galway students are under 18, meaning they actively participate in university life and engage with the Comhaltas, yet cannot vote in national, local or European elections. 16- and 17-year-olds can be in full-time employment, and pay taxes, which leaves them in a state of taxation without representation.
Comhairle Also Notes
That several European countries, including Scotland, Belgium, Austria and Greece, have already lowered their voting age below 18, with the British government proposing to have their voting age lowered to 16 by 2029. Debates have recently returned to the Dáil on this matter, with the 41st Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to 16 Years) Bill being introduced on the 20th of May 2025.
Comhairle Believes
That Comhaltas members of all ages should have equal access to democratic participation. Lowering the voting age to 16 would strengthen youth representation and political participation, which aligns with the Comhaltas’ commitment to advocating for students’ rights and civic inclusion.
Comhairle Mandates
That the Comhaltas campaigns in favour of lowering the national voting age from 18 to 16.
