Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2022
93. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the implementation of the provision for a pending electors list for persons aged 16 and 17 years, as set out under the Electoral Reform Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53814/22]
View answerIn the first phase of commencement of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 (No 30 of 2022), certain provisions were commenced with effect from 13 October 2022. The provisions commenced are listed in S.I. 512 of 2022, and include provision to allow 16 and 17 years old to be included in a pending elector list under Section 95 of the Act. S.I. 512 of 2022 is available at www.irishstatutebook.ie.
The maintenance and management of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local authority, and each local authority is now required to prepare and maintain a pending electors list.
To support implementation of this and related provisions, the systems used by registration authorities have been updated, with a further phase of the project to deliver a national registration system building on voter.ie.
A national media campaign will be rolled out in November to support public awareness and facilitate the work of local authorities in updating the register of electors.
