David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for selecting this Topical Issue and the Minister of State for being here to address it. The need to extend the provision of postal voting to individuals who may be away on polling day for whatever reason is of significant importance to our democracy. This proposal aims to ensure that all citizens can exercise their democratic right, even when personal commitments necessitate their absence from their area or even the country on election day. I came across this issue during the recent elections. People were very disappointed that they were away and could not vote. They were on holidays or away for another reason.

In examining the issue, we can draw valuable insights from other democracies that have successfully implemented similar measures. The UK, for instance, offers postal voting to anyone who is away for work, holidays or other reasons. Citizens simply need to apply for a postal vote in advance, ensuring they can participate in the electoral process regardless of their location on polling day. Australia has also embraced a robust system of postal voting. Australians who are travelling or temporarily overseas during an election can apply for a postal vote, guaranteeing their voices are heard in national and local elections.

The simplicity and efficiency of this system has been praised for enhancing voter turnout and inclusivity. Voter turnout is another issue because voter turnout is low if people are away because they then obviously cannot vote.

Similarly, in New Zealand, postal voting is provided to individuals who are unable to vote in person due to travel or various other circumstances. Their system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible in ensuring that it does not disenfranchise citizens in so doing.

In these examples we see a common trait. There is a commitment to ensure that all citizens can participate in the democratic process regardless of their circumstances on polling day. I would argue that it is time for Ireland to follow suit.

Currently, our postal voting system is limited to specific groups such as students, people with disabilities, and those in certain professions like diplomats and members of the Defence Forces. While these provisions are commendable, they do not cover the broader spectrum of citizens who may be temporarily away on polling day. This gap in our electoral system needs to be addressed.

Consider the impact on our citizens who have plans to travel, particularly in today’s globalised world. Many of our fellow citizens are required to travel for education, or family commitments and so on. By not providing a means for them to vote while they are away, we are effectively disenfranchising a portion of our electorate. This is neither fair nor reflective of a modern democracy that values the participation of all its citizens.

Moreover, the ability to vote by post would be especially beneficial during unforeseen circumstances. The recent global pandemic has underscored the importance of flexible voting options. By expanding postal voting, we would not only enhance accessibility but also future-proof our electoral system against any such disruptions.

To implement this change, we must ensure a secure and efficient postal voting process. This involves clear guidelines for application, deadlines to ensure timely delivery and robust measures to prevent fraud. The experiences of the UK, Australia, and New Zealand demonstrate that with proper planning and safeguards, a postal voting system can be both secure and effective.

In conclusion, I urge the Minister and colleagues to consider the benefits of extending postal voting to those who are away on polling day, in particular for those who are on holidays. Let us strengthen our democracy, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of his or her location on election day, can participate in shaping our nation's future.

We are aware that if students are away from home while attending college they can register at their home address or students residential addresses, which measure is already there. There are other areas which I mentioned earlier where people can actually vote. We have anonymous voter registration now, which is an addition and benefit, as well as pending electoral lists if one is 16 or 17 years of age. We have, therefore, been making changes over the years to the system. We also have postal voting and special voting lists due to illness and disability or if people are in hospices or nursing homes. I think that this is something that should be considered. It is working in other jurisdictions and there is no reason why it should not work in Ireland and I urge the Minister of State and his colleagues to have a look at this in time, perhaps, for the next outing at the polls or the one after that.

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