The Union of Students in Ireland, with the support of Senator Katherine Zappone has launched a campaign as part of its wider voter registration campaign to encourage young voters, particularly students, to register to vote ahead of the close of the primary register of electors. The ‘Could You be the One’ campaign highlighted the importance of one vote and how every vote makes a difference.
USI President Laura Harmon joined with Senator Katherine Zappone to push out the message that in a referendum, every vote counts.
Speaking outside Leinster house, Senator Zappone said:
“This registration campaign is a very important opportunity to end the disconnect between politics and young people caused by decades of failure to deliver real political reforms. Students are fully engaged with the issue of marriage equality but it is vital that they realise you must register now to make history in 2015. “
“What we achieve ahead of the registration deadline on Nov 25th will help decide the outcome of the Referendum and also ensure greater voter participation in all future polls. Which is why I commend and fully endorse the efforts of the USI.”
Laura Harmon said:
“Could you be the one to cast the vote which makes marriage equal in Ireland? Could you be the one to tip the balance for votes at sixteen? Could you be the one to get every person in your house to register and cast their vote for what they believe in?
Elections are won by the people who turn up and cast their votes – and your vote could be the one which makes the world better, or elects the candidate you most want to see represent you. You can be certain that people who want the opposite of what’s good for you will turn up on the day.”
Tipperary native, Martin Lynch, who is USI Vice President Southern Region stressed how important it is for students from rural area’s to also register to vote. Many students have to return home at the weekend in order to exercise their democratic right, but Lynch encourages the students to do so.