The future of Meath’s civil society hinges on the participation and democratic investment of its younger citizens. The engine of our society—Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012—has often struggled to make the crucial connection between voting and the decisions that directly impact their lives.
With almost 70% of unregistered voters under the age of 34, there is a significant push to ensure every eligible young voice is heard.
This episode dives into the national perspective on engaging with this vital demographic, detailing efforts to modernize the electoral register and combat misinformation.
We explore how digital platforms like TikTok are being used to reach future voters and highlight the local work happening to nurture young democratic interest.
Joining host Elaine Keogh are Art O’Leary, the Chief Executive at the Electoral Commission, and the Meath County Council register of electors team members Sheila Sheridan and Sharon McElroy, who detail how young people are actively shaping their county.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Engaging Gen Z and the voting challenge
Digital engagement and pre-registration push
Combating electoral misinformation globally
Meath register team's role and data cleansing
Comhairle na nÓg's right to switch off
QUOTES
We want everybody who's eligible to vote to be on the electoral register. - Art O'Leary
People need to inform the registration authority about these changes... each person is responsible to ensure that they're registered to vote and that their information is up to date. - Sheila Sheridan
If we write to you inviting you to verify your registration details, please don't ignore this request, as you risk being removed from the register… - Sharon McElroy
KEYWORDS #YouthEngagement #VotingRights #ElectoralIntegrity #MeathDemocracy #RegisterCheck
MORE INFORMATION
Local government affects almost every aspect of our daily lives, yet many remain unsure how decisions are actually made.
We dive into the delivery of over one thousand services and the vital role of your elected representatives.
Discover how local democracy functions behind the scenes in Meath. Listen to the full episode. Search “Local Lens” on your podcast app now.
Visit our website; meath.ie
This podcast was produced by dustpod.io
What is Local Lens?
Local Lens is brought to you by Meath County Council. Delivering over 1,000 services to more than 220,000 people, it is one of the busiest local authorities in the country.
On Local Lens we meet the people involved in delivering those services, find out what drives them and ask what plans there are for the future.
There are also contributions from residents of Meath who have accessed services.
Presented by Elaine Keogh, the executive producer/editor is Ailish Shaw.
Contact: locallens@meathcoco.ie