The European Election
The European Election
The European Election
The European Election
The European Election
June 2024
June 2024
June 2024
June 2024
June 2024
According to NYCI up to 700,000 young people aged 18-29 in Ireland are eligible to vote, but some are not on the electoral register and unable to vote if an election or referendum is held.
In order to vote in the European Election , you must be registered! Registering is easy and important!
European Parliament Elections, June 2024.
EU citizens elect members (MEPs) to represent them at the European Parliament, with 14 MEPs coming from Ireland. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU Institution, and what is decided in the Parliament over the next five years has a direct impact on our lives. Your vote in the European Election helps you have a say in shaping the future of the EU.
If you have any questions about voting in the European Election, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer or leave us a message and we can get back to you.
What does
an MEP do?
Who are my
local candidates?
Ireland will elect 14 members of parliament (MEP).
Who are the European
Political Groups?
Candidates belong to politcal groups in Europe.
EU political groups can be described as left, right, centrist etc. and make laws and decisions in accordance to their values. Get to know the candidates and which EU political group they belong to. Make sure whoever you vote for is the person in the EU group that best represents your values. They will be making laws and decisions that effect you!
Why vote in the European Election?
Your vote =
- Your Future: Don’t put the control of your world into the hands of someone else.
- Your Issues: European decisions effect YOU! – jobs, climate change, healthcare, human rights.
- Your Community: If you care what happens in your local area, vote for someone who also cares.
- Your Money: Vote for the party that spends YOUR money on things that are important to you.
- Your Voice: Politicians pay attention to the concerns and needs of those who vote. If you vote, they will begin to listen!!
Can I vote in the European Elections?
- need to be registered
- be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the European Union
Good to know:
As a citizen of a country that is part of the European Union, you have the right to vote in the European elections, even if you live abroad.
- If you are an Irish citizen living in another Member State, you are entitled to vote in that country’s election. Currently, you cannot vote for an Irish MEP from abroad.
- If you are from another EU Member State but are living in Ireland, you can choose to:
- Vote for candidates from your country of origin: Almost all Member States allow you to vote from abroad – Some require voters to pre-register with their national electoral authorities to be eligible to vote from abroad by post or at an embassy/consulate
- Vote for candidates from your country of residence: you can vote in the European election in Ireland but you must be listed on the Irish register of electors.
You can only vote once in the European election
Walk the Talk
It’s not the talk, but the walk that matters most.
- INFORM young people about the EU and the elections.
- CONVEY their concerns and views to decision-making bodies.
- FIGHT against disinformation and manipulation surrounding the elections and the EU.
Together.eu for democracy
Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach.
It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.
How do I decide who to vote for?
In the run up to an election, it can feel like an information overload. It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when choosing who to vote for. Check your facts!! Do your own research! Ask your own questions!!
Before you decide who to vote for:
- Know what your values and priorities are.
- Know who is running for election in your area: The Wheel has gathered the information for you.
- Research what they stand for and compare their values and priorities to yours: through their social media account, speeches they give, appearances where they greet and talk to voters.
- Get to know which EU political group the candidates align themselves to. EU political groups can be described as left, right, centrist etc. and make laws and decisions in accordance to their values. Make sure whoever you vote for is the person in the EU group that best represent your values. You can check MEPs by Member State and EU political group.
- How to know what to trust and what is fair: Candidates send out messages in the hope people will vote for them. These messages contain campaign promises – things the candidate vows to do once elected. Be aware of disinformation and propaganda campaigns that seek to influence your opinion, including fake news and targeted ads.
- Together.eu connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.
The more people vote, the stronger our democracy becomes.
Get involved locally
Voting is part of being an Active Citizen, there are many ways to get involved in your community and make a difference:
- Join the school council or student union.
- Join your local Comhairle na nÓg.
- Volunteer.
- Keep learning about the world around you – watch, read, explore
- STAY INFORMED AND THINK CRITICALLY.
Get involved in Europe!
- Make your voice heard through youth dialogue.
- Vote in elections.
- Take part in an EU programme.
- Familiarise yourself with European policies.
- Check out the European Youth Forum.
If you have any questions about voting in the European Elections, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer or leave us a message and we can get back to you.
Chat with us
Whether you need information or someone to talk to, the Youth Information team in Crosscare are here to provide you with expert support
Chat Online
The online chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. It is available from 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday
Find Your Local
Youth Information
See all their contact details here and give the social media accounts a follow. You will get lots of local and national opportunities and information for young people.