Voting age changes won't be in place for next elections, council told

PLANS to lower the voting age in Northern Ireland will not be implemented in time for the next scheduled Northern Ireland Assembly and local council elections, the NI Secretary of State has confirmed.

People aged 16 and 17 will be able to vote in future elections, but Hilary Benn

He was responding to motion passed by Derry City and Strabane District Council urging that the changes be made "in time for the 2027 electoral cycle".

At the meeting on July 23, the motion tabled stated: "That this council acknowledges the motions passed in the Assembly in November 2012 and September 2024 calling for the voting age to be lowered for 16 and 17 year-olds; commends both the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Parliament for already implementing this policy for local elections while recognising that the powers to lower the voting age are not devolved to the Assembly; welcomes the British Government’s announcement to extend votes to 16 and 17 year olds for all elections; calls on this council to write to the British Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, to ensure that forthcoming legislation is enacted in time for the 2027 electoral cycle."

In his response to council, Mr Benn said the required changes to the legislation require "careful planning" and "should not be rushed."

In a letter to Mayor Ruairí McHugh, Mr Benn said: "The Government’s Strategy, Restoring Trust in Our Democracy, sets out the steps we will take to simplify, protect and promote our democracy.

"These changes will help to keep our elections secure, build public trust and encourage more people to engage and participate.

"The Government will legislate to introduce votes for 16 and 17-year-olds, toughen up rules to guard against foreign political interference, and crack down on intimidation and abuse in politics.

"These changes will apply to elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly and local government elections, as well as parliamentary elections."

He added: "The Government’s intention is for the franchise change to be in place in good time ahead of the next General Election.

"However, this will not be in place for the May 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly and local elections.

"This Bill will include a number of major changes to our electoral system, as well as expanding the franchise, and we need to get these right.

"Changes to electoral law of this magnitude require careful planning and preparation and should not be rushed."

The Secretary of State's response was tabled at the monthly meeting of council, with Sinn Féin's Emma McGinley expressing her disappointment.

"I want to put on record my disappointment that he has explicitly stated within that letter that the right to vote at 16 and 17 will not be in place for the 2027 round of local and Assembly elections here," she said.

"I think it's really, really disappointing given that that franchise has already been extended to 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland and Wales.

"It just highlights a further failure of devolution for the North."