asked the Minister for Local Government why it is deemed necessary to have a number placed on the back of each voting paper whereby the identity of a particular voter could be traced; and if he will consider taking steps to correct this infirmity in the secrecy of the ballot box.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting Papers.
218.
The number on the back of the ballot paper is designed as a safeguard against the introduction of forged or fraudulent ballot papers and distinguishes one ballot paper from another and is not considered to endanger the secrecy of the ballot.
The Deputy may have in mind the procedure whereby the elector's number is entered on the counterfoil of the ballot paper. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the High Court has ruled that this practice is unconstitutional on a case relating to Dáil electors. The situation arising out of this ruling will be considered.
In the event of a by-eleotion will the Minister ensure that the ballot papers will not be numbered?
You do not want another disgrace like the 804 in Donegal?
I understand an election can be carried out on the basis of the existing law excluding provisions which are found to be unconstitutional.
What steps has the Minister in mind?
The matter is under consideration.