Empowering young voices: 'our journey to boost voter registration at school'

Three weeks ago, Jason Phelan, Holly Howard, Hazel Farrell and Nia Carey, classmates at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rochfortbridge, embarked on a mission to ensure that as many of their peers as possible registered to vote in the general election on November 29.

This is their report on their efforts:

Our aim was clear: to show young people that their voice matters and that their vote can shape the future of our country.

With the deadline for voter registration looming, we decided to take action. We knew that while many of our classmates were eligible to vote, others – like the 16- and 17-year-olds in transition year and fifth year – might not yet realise that they could register now and be ready to vote in future elections, such as the next presidential election.

This wasn’t just about the present; it was about laying the groundwork for lifelong civic engagement.

To spread the word, we used the school’s online communication system to send announcements to transition year, fifth year, and sixth year students. We visited classrooms, talked to students face-to-face, and answered questions about the process.

Lunchtime in the canteen was one of the best times to engage with our peers. With enthusiasm (and some nervous), we asked if they had registered, and for those who hadn’t, we invited them to visit the computer room during lunch, where we guided them through the online registration process.

Over the course of the week, we helped a significant number of students register to vote.

We often hear about youth apathy in politics, but our experience proved that when given the tools and encouragement, young people are eager to participate.

For many of us, this election is our first time to vote. We know that it’s more than just a civic duty – it’s a chance to influence decisions on the issues that matter to us, from education to climate change to healthcare. For the younger students who won’t vote this time, registering early ensures they’re ready when their time comes.

As the election approaches, our message remains, ‘if you have a vote, use it’. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference, and whether it’s your first time or your fifth, every vote counts.

To anyone reading this who hasn’t yet registered: don’t wait – make your voice heard.

The general election on November 29 is fast approaching.

Our democracy thrives when everyone participates, and we’ve proven that young people are more than ready to step up. Now, it’s up to all of us to show up on election day. Let’s make our voices count.