Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2013
151. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he is taking to increase voting turnouts; if he has considered the model of compulsory voting as implemented in Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42975/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhenever an election or referendum takes place, my Department places advertisements in the national papers advising eligible voters who are not registered to vote to take the opportunity to apply for inclusion in the supplement to the register of electors so that they can take part in that election or referendum.
In the case of referendums specifically, the role of any Referendum Commission established for that referendum includes the promotion of public awareness of the referendum and the encouragement of the electorate to vote at the poll. My Department also undertakes an annual poster campaign to encourage voters to ensure that they are registered to vote.
In addition, a number of measures are in place to facilitate greater voter participation. They include the facility to include photographs and party emblems on ballot papers, the display of a large print copy of ballot papers in polling buildings and companion voting for persons with literacy difficulties. Provision was also made to enable registered voters who change address to apply for entry in the supplementary register. Information leaflets on the electoral process are available from my Department and are on my Department’s website.
While I will continue to keep under review any further measures to improve voter participation, I have no proposals to introduce compulsory voting.
