A CAMPAIGN for the voting age to be reduced to 16 has been launched to coincide with International Democracy Day by the NI Youth Forum.
It is backed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, who said there is "no reason to deny them the vote".
Youth Forum chairwoman Tara Grace Connolly said from 16 people are already being entrusted with responsibilities by society.
"It is ironic that you can join a political party at 16 but can't actually vote for it," she said.
"Young people at this age can get married; pay taxes; have a job; leave school; consent to medical treatment; and start a family but they cannot vote.
"We believe that at the age of 16 young people are interested and mature enough to decide on the type of society they want.
"The time is right to for change in electoral policy that will benefit us all."
Ms Yiasouma, who attended today's launch in north Belfast, said "16 and 17-year-olds are being prepared to participate in political and civic society in schools throughout Northern Ireland".
"Having a say in the future of our society is the natural extension of this.
"Young people want to be part of the decision-making for their future and I can see no reason to deny them the vote."
The NI Youth Forum has been lobbying to lower the voting age for seven years and in November 2012, a majority in the assembly voted in favour of the change.
MLAs do not have the power to extend the franchise and Secretary of State James Brokenshire has stated that there are no plans to lower the voting age.
