Young actor with Down syndrome urges people to vote

A young actor with Down syndrome has said that he is looking forward to voting for the first time in the General Election, and is encouraging others to cast their vote as well.

Conor O'Donnell, 21, is a familiar face to many, having played Michael in the hit series 'Bad Sisters'. As well as acting, he is studying at Trinity College Dublin, where he is completing his Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice.

Lately, Conor has been focusing his efforts on encouraging adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to cast their vote in the General Election.

Conor said that as it is his first time voting in a general election, he is very much looking forward to it.

"Voting is important to me. It makes my voice heard, and to be able to talk to other people with Down syndrome," he said.

"I want to make sure that their voices are heard and be able to stand out."

Sinéad Flynn, Further Education and Training Manager at Down Syndrome Ireland, said that the organisation is working to encourage adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to have their say in the General Election.

Down Syndrome Ireland has been working with An Coimisiún Toghcháin in relation to this, hosting webinars with its members throughout the country where they take them through voting, how to vote and the supports that are available at the voting booth.

The campaign also took place last June for the local and European elections and Ms Flynn said that the organisation is hearing that members will be going out to vote for the first time this Friday.

"We are hearing of a lot of members who are going out voting for the first time. That's incredibly positive to us.

"What we are finding is a lot more younger people are voting," she said.

"We are not where we should be yet, but we have definitely seen an increase in the number of people voting and we think that's going to increase in the upcoming elections."

Ahead of voting day, Conor is encouraging people not to waste the opportunity to vote.

"My message would be don't be nervous. It's okay to look at the information and what's being said about each candidate and ask for help.

"So I really would encourage people and don't waste the opportunity."