Print PageWho is entitled to be registered?
If you are living at an address on the qualifying date (1st September), subject to certain conditions, then you are entitled to have your name entered on the register for the following year.
What are the conditions of registration?
You must be over 18 years on the date the register comes into force (15th February) and you must not be registered at another address in the State. So, if you are living at an address in County Kildare on 1 September 2010 you are entitled to be on the register of electors that will be in force from 15th February 2011 to 14th February 2012.
Do you have to be Irish to be registered?
No. Everyone, irrespective of his/her nationality, is entitled to appear on the register. However, your citizenship does make a difference when it comes to what elections in which you have voting rights. Only Irish citizens can vote in presidential elections and referenda. If you are British you may vote in general, European and local elections. If you are a citizen of an EU country, other than the UK, you may vote in European Parliament and local elections. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, then you may only vote in local elections i.e. county council and town council.
I thought I would be automatically registered.
No - each individual must register with their relevant local authority.
How is the register compiled?
A draft register is published on 1st November each year and put on public display. You should check the draft register to ensure your details are correct. If any amendment is required to your details you must submit a request to the local authority. Any changes to the draft register must be agreed by the County Registrar. The register of electors is published each year on 1st February and comes into effect on the 15th February each year.
If my name is not on the register have I lost my right to vote?
No - you can apply to go onto the supplement to the register of electors up to 14 days (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays) before an election or referendum. Form RFA2 must be completed for this purpose. People who reach 18 during the year can also apply to go the supplement as soon as they reach the qualifying age.
What if I cannot get to the polling station?
Certain categories of person can apply to be entered on the special or postal voters list. (I) If you are resident in a hospital/nursing home, and are likely to remain so for the duration of the register, you can apply to go on a special voters list. Form SV1 must be completed for this purpose. (ii) If you are housebound, whether due to age or disability, and are likely to remain so for the duration of the register, you can apply for a postal vote. Form PV1 must be completed for this purpose. (iii) If the nature of your job means that you may not be at home on polling day, then you are entitled to apply for a postal vote (e.g. airline pilots, fishermen). Form PVS2 must be completed for this purpose. (iv) Students attending an approved third level course in the State can apply for a postal vote. Form PVS2 must be completed for this purpose.
Can I be registered with more than one local authority?
No - a person may only vote once and, therefore, a name should only appear once on a Register of Electors. You must decide where you want to be registered - i.e. if you are living in a flat in Dublin and "come home" for the weekend, you must decide whether to be registered at your weekday or weekend address.
How many people are on the Register of Electors in Co Kildare?
There are 134,914 names on the 2011/2012 Register of Electors for the county.
Am I entitled to a Postal Vote if I am on holidays the day of the election?
No. You are not eligible for a postal vote in such circumstances.
Can I register on line?
This facility does not exist at present, but the application can be downloaded from the Kildare County Council website www.kildare.ie/countycouncil
I did not receive my polling card, can I vote without it?
The polling card is only an information card, which will tell you the date and time of voting and the polling station to attend. You can vote as long as you are on the register and if you bring photographic ID with you e.g. Passport, Drivers Licence, Bus Pass or Work ID.