How can I register to vote?
You must be on the Register of Electors to cast your vote. The fastest way to register to vote is online via Voter.ie
If you are unable or do not wish to register online, you may also do so by filling out an ERF1 Form and posting it to your relevant local authority.
How can I check if I am on the register?
You can check if you are on the Register by visiting www.voter.ie
How do I change my address/information on the register?
if you change your address or wish to update your details on the register, you may do so online via Voter.ie
Can I get a postal vote?
Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law. These include: – Members of An Garda Síochána – Members of the Defence Forces – Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/partners – Those who are unable to vote in person at their local polling station because of an illness or disability – Electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person on polling day – Full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State – Anonymous Electors or members of the household of the person whose safety would be at risk if their name and address were published on the register of electors – Prisoners
Your completed form can be returned to your local authority at any time. However, in order to be eligible for a postal vote in Irish elections, your form must be received by your local authority before the deadline which will be announced in advance of an election.
Can I apply to be registered as a Special Voter?
A person residing in a hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution, who has a disability or illness which prevents them from going to the polling station, can vote at the hospital, nursing home or similar facility if they apply to be included in the special voters’ list which is prepared and maintained by registration authorities (city and county councils) as part of the register of electors. In the case of a first application, and whenever required by the registration authorities in the case of a subsequent application, it must be accompanied by a certificate from a registered medical practitioner (such as a GP).
How can I remove a family member from the Register of Electors?
In order to remove a family member from the register of electors you must complete a third party amendment form and post it to your local authority.
Where do I go to vote?
- You vote in a polling station.
- Polling stations are usually set up on the day of the election in a public building, for example, a local school.
- You can only vote in the polling station allocated to you.
- Your polling station is named on your polling card, which you should get by post.
- If you did not get a polling card, you can find your polling station on yourlocal authority’s website.
Why do I need a PPSN?
Under the new legislation this information is required to verify your identity, it prevents duplication and improves the integrity of the register.
I will be on holiday on the day of election, can I have postal vote?
No, unfortunately you are not eligible for a postal vote.
Who is entitled to vote at elections/referenda
- Irish -Irish Citizens: may vote at every election and Referendum
- British -British Citizens: may vote at Dáil and Local Elections
- British/EU Citizen: may vote at Dail, European and Local Elections
- EU –European Citizens may vote at European and Local Elections
- Non-EU -Non-European Citizens: may vote at Local Elections
- Potential EU– Potential European Citizens: may vote at Local Elections
I did not receive or misplaced my polling card, can I vote without it?
If you have not received your polling information card do not worry. You do not need your polling information card in order to vote. Bring a valid form of ID with you to your assigned polling station and if you are on the register, you will be able to vote.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline for registering or updating your details before an election or referendum will be announced in advance of the polling day. You should check Voter.ie for current deadlines and ensure your details are up to date as early as possible.
What identification do I need to vote?
You may be asked to provide proof of identity at the polling station.
Acceptable forms of identification can include:
- Passport
- Passport Card
- Driving Licence
- Public Services Card
- Employee ID card with photograph
- Student ID card with photograph
- Travel document with name and photograph
- Other forms of identification as permitted by electoral law
If you are unsure whether your identification will be accepted, contact your local authority before polling day.
Can I vote if I recently moved house?
Yes, provided you are registered at your current address. If you have moved, you should update your registration details through Voter.ie as soon as possible.
What happens if I arrive at the wrong polling station?
You can only vote at the polling station assigned to you. Polling staff can advise you, or you can check your polling station details through your local authority or polling information card.
Can I vote if I have recently become an Irish citizen?
Yes. Once you are registered on the Register of Electors, Irish citizens may vote in all elections and referendums for which they are eligible.
Can I vote if I turn 18 shortly before election day?
Yes, provided you are 18 years of age on or before polling day and are correctly registered to vote.
Can I vote on behalf of someone else?
No. Voting is personal and must be carried out by the registered elector. The only exceptions are specific arrangements such as postal voting and special voting provided for in electoral legislation.
What time are polling stations open?
Polling station opening and closing times are determined for each election or referendum and will be publicly announced before polling day.
Is my vote secret?
Yes. Voting in Ireland is by secret ballot. Nobody is entitled to know how you voted, and polling staff are required to protect the secrecy of the vote.
Can I bring someone with me to help me vote?
A voter with a disability, visual impairment, literacy difficulty or illness may receive assistance in accordance with electoral law. Polling staff can explain the assistance available at the polling station.
What happens if I make a mistake on my ballot paper?
If you accidentally spoil your ballot paper before placing it in the ballot box, return it to the presiding officer. Subject to the rules in place, you may be issued with a replacement ballot paper.
What should I do if my name is not on the register?
If your name does not appear on the Register of Electors, polling staff cannot allow you to vote. You should contact your local authority or check Voter.ie to confirm your registration status and determine whether any corrective action is possible.
Can I take photographs inside the polling station?
Voters should respect the secrecy and integrity of the voting process. Photography that could reveal how a person has voted or interfere with polling operations is not permitted.
How are election and referendum results counted?
After polling closes, ballot boxes are sealed and transported to counting centres. Ballots are then counted in accordance with electoral law, with candidates, parties, observers and media representatives permitted to observe the process.
What is a referendum?
A referendum allows the people of Ireland to vote directly on a proposed change to the Constitution. Eligible voters may vote Yes or No on the proposal presented on the ballot paper.