Yesterday, it was revealed that over 150,000 young people are not registered to vote in Ireland. This was shocking to us as in just over 3 weeks, Ireland will be holding one of the most highly anticipated votes in years. As young people we often feel unheard, ignored and invisible when it comes to the decisions that affect us directly, but every single one of us should use the right that our ancestors fought and died for one hundred years ago.

If you’re not yet 18, you can still make a difference. Talk to the adults in your lives about their views, listen to what they have to say. Have discussions with your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and anyone else who’s opinion you care about. Make sure that you have heard and understood both sides of the argument but then do your own research and make sure you separate opinions from facts.

Please don’t assume that this issue does not affect you. It affects us all, and we may never have an opportunity to vote on this again.

Here’s how to make sure that you are registered.

1. You must be an Irish citizen, and you must submit your registration before May 8th. That gives you 6 days.
2. Click here to check if you are already registered. Don’t assume that you are, even if you have registered before.
3. If you turn 18 before or even on the 25th, you can still register, but you will need to submit a copy of your birth cert.
4. Print out and complete the form RFA2
5. Go to your local Garda station for them to witness your signature. Make sure you bring ID (passport or driving licence, make sure its in date!)
6. Post the form to your local city or county council. Here are a list of addresses.
7. We would advise hand delivering the form if you’ve left it last minute, just to be on the safe side.
8. You nailed it. Go and have a cup of tea and some cake.