A number of measures have been undertaken and further measures are under way and planned for encouraging voter turnout in the forthcoming polls. In November 2003, my Department undertook a publicity campaign to advertise the draft register of electors and advising people to check whether they were correctly registered. In addition, the form used by registration authorities to compile the 2004-2005 register contained general information on registration and specific information for non-nationals about their eligibility to vote at and contest the 2004 European and local elections. A further information leaflet for non-nationals will be distributed by my Department to interested organisations and the public. Advertising on the supplement to the register containing information for Irish citizens and non-nationals will also commence shortly. Citizens of new EU member states will be eligible to apply for inclusion on the supplement following formal accession on 1 May 2004.
Finally, the voter education and awareness campaign being undertaken as part of the nation wide roll out of electronic voting and counting will contain a major element to encourage the electorate to vote. The Referendum Commission which was established on 22 April 2004 will also have a specific remit to encourage the electorate to vote at the referendum.
