Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
229. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the procedure for updating the Electoral Register; the details of the documents that need to be filled in and submitted by a person to a local authority (details supplied) in order to update their surname after a divorce. [44760/22]
View answerThe maintenance and management of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local authority. It is the duty of each authority to ensure, as far as possible, and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
Under the current legislation there are a number of ways in which a person can interact with the register at different points in the cycle. A person who wishes to change their details may do so by completing a supplement form or, in the context of the draft register published on 1 November each year they may complete an RFA1 form. The form relates to the register that will come into force on the following 15 February.
While the process has served the country well for many years, the Electoral Reform Act 2022, provides for a more responsive electoral registration process as part of a range of significant electoral reforms in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government.
Among the changes to the process are the introduction of rolling (continuously updated) registration; the simplification of forms and the overall registration process, and the use of PPSNs in the registration process. Electors will be able to apply to the registration authority to be included or to update their registration details, including changes of name and address at any time, using a single online application, though a paper form will remain available for those who wish to use it.
In order to prepare for the passage and commencement of the legislation, work to update the systems used by registration authorities is underway, it is expected this should be completed shortly.
