NYCI estimates nearly 4,000 first-time voters in Louth are unregistered

THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is calling on up to 3,952 young people in Co Louth who might not be on the electoral register to vote before the approaching deadline.

Young people in the county have until Saturday, November 25 to register to vote. A RedC poll conducted for the NYCI earlier this year found that 22% of those aged 18-29 were not registered to vote.

Based on the most recent population data from the Central Statistics Office, this means up to 3,952 young people in Co Louth risk missing out on their right to vote.

Louth County Council is currently preparing the 2018/2019 electoral register. For those unsure whether they are registered or not, the NYCI advises that they check online at www.checktheregister.ie.

“If young people are not on the electoral lists, we are strongly encouraging them to register now,” said NYCI Deputy Director James Doorley.

“To do this they need to fill out an RFA1 form and return it to their local city or county council by Saturday, November 25.

“In effect the deadline is Thursday, November 23 as the form needs to be completed and posted back to the local authority to arrive by the deadline.

“If applicants miss the postal deadline, the only other option is to deliver the completed RFA1 form by hand.”

Anyone 18 on or before 15 February 2018 is eligible to register.