Referendum Commission urges citizens to register to vote

The Referendum Commission has warned prospective voters that there is "very little time" left to sign up to the register of electors ahead of next month's ballots.

With the bank holiday weekend looming, and bus strikes set to impact on transport nationwide from Friday, the commission is urging citizens to check the register to ensure they’re eligible to vote in the referendums on same-sex marriage and presidential candidacy age on May 22nd.

Those who aren't registered are encouraged to visit checktheregister.ie, where they can download and fill out a form which must be stamped at a Garda station before being returned to a local authority office.

The deadline for registrations is May 5th.

"A referendum gives Irish citizens aged 18 or over the opportunity to make a decision for their country," Referendum Commission chairman and High Court judge Mr Justice Kevin Cross said.

“Yet many people will find they can’t take this opportunity for the simple reason they are not registered, or are registered at the wrong address.

“Before the bank holiday weekend arrives, we would encourage you to check the register now to ensure your voice will be heard. There is very little time.”

Survey results

Survey results released by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) earlier this week found that over 120,000 people under the age of 25 weren’t registered to vote as of last autumn.

Statistics revealed that the problem was particularly acute among 18 to 21-year-olds, 43 per cent of whom were not registered.

The Pledge2Reg campaign launched by the NYCI last year garnered 40,000 signatures from young people and students who vowed to check the register and submit their information for inclusion.

Large queues have been reported outside some Garda stations in Dublin city as people engage in a last-minute scramble to join the register.

The Yes Equality campaign has also been active in encouraging citizens to check their status, and a recent photoshoot outside Pearse Street Garda station for a voter registration drive drew allegations of bias from No campaigners, and resulted in Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan calling an investigation.

Citizens who have emigrated within the last 18 months and plan to return home for the referendums can remain on the register. However, this must be declared to the relevant local authority.

Postal voting options also remain open for certain individuals who cannot be physically present on the day.