Dear An Taoiseach, Minister
We hope this letter finds you well.
We, the members of Óige Ghlas, are writing to express our concerns regarding the upcoming local and European elections scheduled to take place in June 2024. These elections are of utmost importance, and we believe that every eligible citizen, especially young people, should have the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
As you may be aware, the European elections are set to be held from the 6th to the 9th of June 2024 and the local elections will fall on one of these dates. Typically, in Irish election history, elections have been held on a Friday, however, the most recent Dáil election in 2020 took place on a Saturday. While we understand the necessity of choosing suitable dates for elections, we are deeply concerned that the dates currently proposed will clash with the schedule of the Leaving Certificate Examinations, which is a critical period for many young people across the country.
The clash between the election dates and the Leaving Certificate Exams presents a significant barrier for young people who wish to engage with the voting process. This conflict has the potential to deter eligible voters from exercising their democratic right to vote, as they may feel torn between their civic duty and their academic responsibilities. It is crucial to remove any barriers that may hinder young people from participating in the electoral process.
In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that the local and European elections in June 2024 be scheduled for Saturday, the 8th of June. This consideration would enable young people, who are our future leaders, to participate in the electoral process without compromising their educational pursuits. It would promote civic engagement among our youth and foster a sense of responsibility towards our democracy.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and hope that together, we can ensure that the upcoming elections are as inclusive and accessible as possible for all members of our society.
Le meas,
Young Greens - Óige Ghlas Executive Committee