Written answers

Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Electoral Register

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

666. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on implementing a policy (details supplied) to increase the level of voter registration here in view of the decision of Seattle City Council obliging landlords to provide voter registration information and an application form when a tenancy starts. [31247/17]

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty, as far as possible and with the cooperation and engagement of the public, to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of that register. In support of activity by local authorities in preparing the register of electors, my Department promotes greater awareness of the register of electors through an annual campaign of promotional posters, the use of social media and the taking out of both newspaper and on-line advertisements.

I understand that one of the aims of the decision by the Seattle City Council is to increase voter turnout amongst younger voters. In addition to the campaign that I have outlined, my Department liaises with student bodies and youth organisations, in the State, to promote awareness amongst their members and younger people generally who may be registering for the first time.

My Department has commenced work on the modernisation of the voter registration process. This is in the context of facilitating the registration of voters resident outside the State, in the event of an extension of the franchise at Presidential elections being approved by the people in a referendum. All aspects of voter registration, including the provision of registration information, and experiences from other countries, will be reviewed as part of this project.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.