Seán Ryan
Question:53 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals regarding voting rights for prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Voting Rights for Prisoners.
The registration of prisoners as electors is governed by section 5 (5) of the Electoral Act, 1963, which provides that a person detained in any premises in legal custody shall be registered in the place where he would have been residing but for his having been so detained in legal custody.
Prisoners are not identified as such on the register of electors.
The electoral law provides for postal voting by gardaí, members of the Defence Forces and certain civil servants, and their spouses, posted abroad and for home voting by the disabled. There are, however, no special arrangements for voting by prisoners or other categories who by reason of their occupation or otherwise may be unable to vote in person at their polling station.
There are no proposals for special voting arrangements for prisoners.