TODAY IS THE LAST day for registering for a vote for this year’s Presidential election and referenda – and for the Dáil by-election, for those living in Dublin West.
If your circumstances haven’t changed since the general election in February – i.e. you still live at the same address you were registered to then – then it’s almost certain that you should be set to vote as per normal on October 27.
If you’ve moved or only just turned 18, though, you’ll need to get your forms signed, stamped and delivered pretty pronto – because your local authority will need them by this afternoon in order to allow you to vote.
Here’s what you need to do if you’re looking to get your name on the register for 17 days’ time.
First of all, you need to be clear about whether you’re entitled to vote or not. Except for Dublin West, this month’s ballots are only extended to Irish citizens. In Dublin West, British citizens are also entitled to cast ballots, but only in the Dáil by-election.
Secondly, you should go to www.checktheregister.ie and see whether you’re already registered at your current address. If you are, great – you can stop reading now.
If you’re not on the register, you’ll need to act fast. Go to your current local authority’s website and find its ‘Register to Vote’ section – the chances are there’ll be a prominent link somewhere close to the front.
If you’re not previously on the register, at any address, download form RFA2. If you’re registered elsewhere, and need to get your address changed, download form RFA3.
Fill out the first page of the form, but don’t sign it – you’ll have to do that in the presence of a Garda, who will want some sort of photo ID. They will stamp the form, fill out the second page, and return it to you.
Your form is now complete, but given that the closing rate for applications to vote is today, you won’t have time to post it – so you’ll need to physically drop it to the council, at the address listed on the form (probably in the top-left).
Given the volume of applications each council might receive, you should not expect any written acknowledgement if your letter – though some councils will allow you to call them and ensure that you have been added.
It’s also worth noting that many/most councils will not update the electronic version of the register – so don’t panic if you don’t see your name being added to the online edition of the register.
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