Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin Critical Of Electoral Office

Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin have criticised the Electoral office (EONI) for the stringent procedures that young people must go through to be put on the electoral register.

Fra Cochrane Chairperson of Newcastle Ógra said, “It has been brought to our attention by a number of young people in the area that they have had a great amount of difficulty in trying to be placed on the register, and apparently this problem is rife throughout the six counties.

“It is simply unacceptable that at a time when it is difficult enough to get young people on the register the EONI is adding further to young peoples lack of interest.

“Some young people have even been sent threatening letters saying that their case may be passed on to the police if they do not send on documents which some young people simply don’t have. This type of behaviour by a body that should be trying to get people on their side, rather then putting them off cannot be tolerated.

“Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin are calling on the EONI to make it easier for those seeking to be placed on the register. It is imperative that more young people are eligible to vote and the onus is also on the EONI to make this happen.