Applications to have your name on the register of electors for the upcoming general election close today at 5pm. The register which will be used in the election comes into force from February 15th, just ten days ahead of polling day on February 25th.
A member of An Garda Siochána will be present at campus services in the basement of the Agricultural Science building from 1-3pm to stamp forms. Students intending to use this service must register using their Dublin address, as UCD Students’ Union will be distributing forms to the Dublin county Council’s ahead of the 5pm deadline.
Any Irish or British citizen currently resident in Ireland who is 18 years old is entitled to vote in the election, which is being tipped as one of the most interesting race in the history of the state.
To apply to the register, you must complete form RFA2 in full, have it stamped by a member of An Garda Siochána who will verify your identity against a piece of ID such as a passport, driving license or student card, and send it in.
If you are unsure of whether or not you are registered, visit checktheregister.ie to see if you’re on the list and that your current address has been provided. Polling cards will be sent out between seven and ten days ahead of election day, however you do necessarily not need to have your card in order to vote.
Any form of government identification or a utilities bill with proof of address can be used to verify you against your name on the register. Guidelines recommend that presiding officers and poll clerks check 1 in 4 voters for identification so it is advisable to bring some proof of identity on the day.
- Seán O’Reilly, Editor
