Written answers

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Election Management System

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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1714. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to link PPS numbers to the voter registration process in order that those turning 18 years of age are automatically on the voting register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54515/17]

Photo of John Paul PhelanJohn Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local authority, as a registration authority. It is the duty of registration authorities to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. Electoral law provides for an entitlement rather than an obligation to be registered as an elector when eligibility criteria, including reaching the age of 18 years, are met.

Work has, however, commenced on the modernisation of the voter registration process, in the context of the potential need to facilitate 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. This will deliver benefits by providing for the registration of all voters in an efficient and user-friendly manner, while also, vitally, protecting the integrity of the system. All aspects of voter registration, including the legal provisions, will be reviewed as part of this project.

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