She was speaking after making a Members' Statement on the subject in the Assembly today (9 September).
The Strangford MLA has said: “This International Day of Democracy, we want to highlight a stark democratic deficit in Northern Ireland – the disenfranchisement of young people in our society.
“In recent years, Scotland and Wales have joined other regions around the world, including Brazil, Ecuador, Austria, and Jersey, among others, in lowering the legal voting age to 16 years old. Thereby, giving many intelligent, capable and engaged young people with fully formed social and political views the opportunity to have their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.
“Providing this opportunity earlier in life will only encourage good habits when it comes to participating in the political process throughout the rest of peoples’ lives.
“At 16 years old, you are legally able to seek employment and pay taxes, get married, and enlist in the armed forces, as well as participate in many other aspects of public life and make use of public services that are directly impacted by government policy. You should also be afforded the right to vote on those policies, and the political figures deciding them.
“Alliance is unwavering in its support for votes at 16, and we will continue to fight for the rights of our young people to fully participate in the democratic process.”