Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
349. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to resolve the issue of persons in rented accommodation finding it difficult to re-register on the electoral register in view of the frequency of lease changes. [25142/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities in their capacity as registration authorities are responsible for the compilation and maintenance of the register of electors in their areas. It is their duty, as far as possible, and with the co-operation and engagement of the public, to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of that register. The current process provides a number of opportunities to register or update details.
The draft register is published for inspection on 1 November each year and I would urge all citizens to check the register to ensure that they are registered and that their details are correct. They can do this by visiting www.checktheregister.ie or contacting their Local Authorities. Corrections can be submitted between 1 and 25 November via a form, which is available on the website or from local authorities.
The updated register will be published on 1 February 2021 and come into effect on 15 February 2021.
Outside of this time period, if a person is missing from the register they can apply to be entered on the supplement to the register or change their address. The supplement remains open until 14 days before polling day and again, all relevant forms are available online or from Local Authorities.
While the current electoral registration system has served the country well, it is clear that modernisation will bring significant benefits, in particular by making the process more streamlined and accessible for all.
Among the electoral reform proposals included in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future – is the creation of a rolling register; the use of PPSNs to verify identity; simplified forms and the roll out of optional online registration. These proposals will contribute to simplifying and streamlining the entire process of registration to make it more accessible and more responsive to how we live today. Work is underway in my Department to progress these initiatives.
