Jailbird | Research

While 54% of young people intend to vote, a lack of candidate information is preventing others from participating.

New data from Jailbird Communications, a culture-focused marketing agency, reveals young Irish voters are on track to surpass the EU average in voter turnout—despite significant information barriers. Over 54% of Irish 18-24-year-olds plan to vote, showcasing a proactive youth demographic eager to make their voices heard at a national level. This projected turnout sharply contrasts with the recent EU elections, where only 36% of this demographic participated.

The survey highlights particularly strong engagement from young Irish women, with 72% planning to vote. Additionally, youth in Leinster show the highest likelihood of participation, suggesting successful regional campaigns or educational outreach.

However, challenges remain: 22% of young respondents say they never vote, and 31% cite a lack of candidate and policy information as a key obstacle. This points to a pressing need for political parties to better communicate with young people and understand how they consume media.