Young voter registration levels are ‘depressing’
IT is crucial that young people register to vote in next month’s European election, MEP Jim Nicholson has said.
The Conservative and Unionist candidate in the June 4 election said it was “depressing” that about 15 per cent of young people have still not registered to vote – meaning that unless they register soon they will not be able to cast a ballot.
“It is both astonishing and depressing that around 15 per cent of 18-24 year olds have not yet registered to vote. I would urge them to do so,” he said.
The Ulster Unionists’ link with the Conservatives, he added, meant that young voters should be excited about the chance to vote for a party which will probably form the next British Government.
“There will be an opportunity at this election to vote on national and international issues: an opportunity to have their voice heard and heeded at the very heart of British and European politics,” he said.
“If they are not registered to vote then they will not be able to have their views fully and properly represented. I’m not convinced that these young people are uninterested in politics.
“But I do believe that they may think that their vote will be wasted because they think this election is just about solo voices from small regional parties.”
But South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke said it was ironic that an MEP of 20 years was urging voters to back him for “change”.
“The UUP election slogan is laughable,” he said.
“There is no change with Jim Nicholson. The slogan is a complete and utter con.”
Meanwhile, DUP candidate Diane Dodds said the DUP was “advancing unionism through devolution,” arguing that her party was defeating Sinn Fein’s ideology at Stormont.
Speaking to party members and supporters during a visit to south Down, she said: “At home we are winning, but it is important that we start winning in Brussels and Strasbourg.”
For details on how to register to vote, call 0800 0323 7000.
