Written Answers. - Electoral Participation Initiatives.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:
207
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if, in respect of the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to an electoral participation initiative, he will indicate the provision which has been made in his Department to assist implementation of this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17578/02]
The commitment under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to improve voter participation is being progressed as part of my Department's ongoing responsibility for the administration and improvement of electoral law and through extended advertising campaigns relating to the register of electors.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2001, addresses barriers to voter registration and voting that exist within the current system and provides for a range of measures which will make a positive contribution to encouraging voter participation. Among the measures included in the Act are provisions for photographs and party emblems on ballot papers, earlier opening of polling stations, the display of a large print copy of ballot papers in polling buildings, additional information on polling cards, companion voting for persons with literacy difficulties, voting by poll workers and provision that a registered voter who changes address during the life of a register of electors can apply for entry in the supplement. In addition, the Act provides a statutory basis for the introduction of electronic voting and vote counting. The electronic system was piloted in the three constituencies at the May 2002 general election and will be used in a further four constituencies at the forthcoming referendum.
The Referendum Act, 2001, amended the functions of the Referendum Commission repealing the requirement that a commission prepare a statement setting out the arguments for and against a proposal and providing it with a new function of promoting awareness of the referendum and encouraging citizens to vote. The Referendum Commission's new functions in this regard were exercised for the first time in March 2002.
The Department, as part of the PPF initiative, has also undertaken extended publicity campaigns in 2000 and 2001 to promote voter registration. The campaign in 2000 specifically targeted young people and disadvantaged communities and stressed the importance of registration, the key dates in the registration process and how to get on the register and supplement. The budget for the 2001 campaign was increased by 70% and involved an innovative TV, flyposter and online media campaign. Expenditure of €100,000 is anticipated on the publicity campaign for the register of electors in 2002 and total expenditure this year on advertising relating to registration will be approximately €200,000.
While I am satisfied with the progress made to date, my Department will continue to keep under review measures which will contribute to improving voter participation.
Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 21.
