Can I vote?

Andy!!

I am an Irish citizen. I refused to vote in the last election, as I had lived through the second last election and was flabbergasted that Ahern was voted back in, and I felt things were never going to change so why waste my time. Thankfully things have gotten slightly better Government wise.

Now there is a presidential candidate that I have always wanted as President, and I would like to vote for him. Do I have to re-register because I missed the last one? Or will a polling card arrive and my original home address nevertheless.
Any help would be appreciated.

F1ngers

You can check here, http://www.checktheregister.ie/PublicPages/Default.aspx?uiLang=.

Meesared

I dont get the whole thing of "I'm not going to vote because its pointless" thing.
You sure as hell wont change anything with that attitude.

But anyway, yes you will get a polling card if you were registered for the last election.

Have to admit I'm curious as to who your preferred candidate is, though I think I know already.

Kinski

Meesared wrote: »

I dont get the whole thing of "I'm not going to vote because its pointless" thing.
You sure as hell wont change anything with that attitude.

Nothing wrong with not voting if none of the candidates on the ballot are acceptable to you. I don't get "voting for voting's sake." Since I'm to be presented with a list of what I consider "hold your nose and tick a box" candidates in the forthcoming Presidential election, I probably won't bother to cast my vote in that one.

JustinDee

Andy!! wrote: »

Thankfully things have gotten slightly better Government wise

Thanks to people who actually got off their keysters and voted.

Dirk Gently

Andy!! wrote: »

Any help would be appreciated.

I'll vote for you*, I'm only interested in the referenda anyway.

who do you want to vote for?




don't say gay mitchell or dana *

todolist

Andy!! wrote: »

I am an Irish citizen. I refused to vote in the last election, as I had lived through the second last election and was flabbergasted that Ahern was voted back in, and I felt things were never going to change so why waste my time. Thankfully things have gotten slightly better Government wise.

Now there is a presidential candidate that I have always wanted as President, and I would like to vote for him. Do I have to re-register because I missed the last one? Or will a polling card arrive and my original home address nevertheless.
Any help would be appreciated.

It'll make no difference to you in any way which puppet wins the ego contest.What a bunch of bloody nonsense.

Pandora2

I can't vote because My Irish Mother & Father, economic emigrants at the time, had the audacity to allow their first child be born in Scotland.


Now, I have lived here all but 11 years, 6 as a child and 5 as an adult, during the last recession. I carry an Irish Passport and it would appear I can run for President but, I can't vote!!

Anyone with an explanation to this?? I'm also confused that a US Citizen has a vote but, I don't:eek::eek:


Would be grateful if anyone could enlighten me as to this apparent paradox

Einhard

Hey,
Can anyone tell me if I can move my polling location before the presidential elections? Or is it too late? There doesn't seem to be any up to date information about on it.

Thanks.

Marcusm

Pandora2 wrote: »

I can't vote because My Irish Mother & Father, economic emigrants at the time, had the audacity to allow their first child be born in Scotland.


Now, I have lived here all but 11 years, 6 as a child and 5 as an adult, during the last recession. I carry an Irish Passport and it would appear I can run for President but, I can't vote!!

Anyone with an explanation to this?? I'm also confused that a US Citizen has a vote but, I don't:eek::eek:


Would be grateful if anyone could enlighten me as to this apparent paradox

I'm confused; you're an Irish citizen residing in Ireland for a number of years. Why can't you vote? Have you not registered? You seem eligible to be registered.

Pandora2

It did not come up until I attempted to vote in the last Presidential Election. I had received an unsolicited form from my County Council, on which I correctly stated my birthplace as requested then, when I turned up to vote was told that because I was born In Scotland I was not eligible. I presented my Irish Passport and was told it was not relevant as my Country of birth was the only one I could vote in regarding Presidential () Elections & Referenda!! I researched it at the time and verified this was the case:( I raise it now only because I am aware:

A. Dana Born in North London and has in recent years rescinded her Citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance in the US in 1999.

B. David Norris born Leopoldville, Belgian Congo.

I understood the ability to vote if you were born in the 6 Counties as given our political situation in the past it was fairly understandable that there would be a day when all people on born on the Island would vote in the same election/referenda. But, North London/The Belgian Congo?? :eek:

And yes, I am registered to vote, they just exclude me from this particular section of our electoral structure. It was explained to me that it was to stop those born anywhere other than the Island of Ireland participating in the amending of the Constitution...so it would appear that they allow some such person to uphold and defend the Constitution but not a say in its content


Extract From Citizens Information Website
Who can vote in elections and referenda?

The type of election you can vote in depends on your citizenship.The following people are eligible to vote:

• Irish citizens can vote in every election and referendum
• British citizens may vote at Dáil, European and local elections
• Other EU citizens may vote at European and local elections
• Non-EU citizens can vote at local elections only.

To be eligible to be included on the Register of Electors, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old on the day the Register comes into force (15 February)
• Have been ordinarily resident in the State on 1 September in the year preceding the coming into force of the Register.

You are eligible for inclusion in the supplement to the Register of Electors on or after the day on which you reach 18 years of age. You can be included if this birthday falls after the closing date for applications but is on or before polling day. If you are within this category, you should accompany your application with a copy of your birth certificate.
Students living away from home while attending college have the choice of being registered at either their home address or their student residential address. You must be registered at one address only and you must live at that address on 1 September before the register comes into force. If you live away from the address at which you are registered, you will need to contact the registration authority and give them your new address.
If you leave your address but you plan to return there within 18 months, you can continue to be registered there, as long you do not register at any other address.

dilallio

Pandora2 wrote: »

The type of election you can vote in depends on your citizenship.The following people are eligible to vote:

• Irish citizens can vote in every election and referendum
• British citizens may vote at Dáil, European and local elections
• Other EU citizens may vote at European and local elections
• Non-EU citizens can vote at local elections only.

I would have thought that having an Irish Passport entitles you to vote as an Irish Citizen.

seamus

Pandora2 wrote: »

It did not come up until I attempted to vote in the last Presidential Election. I had received an unsolicited form from my County Council, on which I correctly stated my birthplace as requested then, when I turned up to vote was told that because I was born In Scotland I was not eligible. I presented my Irish Passport and was told it was not relevant as my Country of birth was the only one I could vote in regarding Presidential () Elections & Referenda!! I researched it at the time and verified this was the case:(

You're an Irish citizen by birth. You have Irish parents, therefore you are entitled to Irish citizenship.
Country of birth is irrelevant in your case, I don't know what moron you were speaking to, but they were completely wrong.

Check the register first to check what elections you're entitled to vote in. If it's incorrect, then fill out a form RFA1 to note your Irish citizenship and present it to your local authority.

If the register correctly states that you're a voter type "P" (Irish Citizen), then nobody can stop you from voting on polling day.

Marcusm

dilallio wrote: »

I would have thought that having an Irish Passport entitles you to vote as an Irish Citizen.

Fully agree with this - you don't need to look at the British qualification - your irish passport evidences your Irish citizenship (assuming not refugee passport etc which I think confers protection rather than citizenship). They've inappropriately denied your right to vote. You need to examine the register and ensure it notes you as an Irish not a British citizen!

foggy_lad

Andy!! wrote: »

I am an Irish citizen. I refused to vote in the last election, as I had lived through the second last election and was flabbergasted that Ahern was voted back in, and I felt things were never going to change so why waste my time. Thankfully things have gotten slightly better Government wise.

Now there is a presidential candidate that I have always wanted as President, and I would like to vote for him. Do I have to re-register because I missed the last one? Or will a polling card arrive and my original home address nevertheless.
Any help would be appreciated.

Your voting card should arrive as normal.

Einhard wrote: »

Hey,
Can anyone tell me if I can move my polling location before the presidential elections? Or is it too late? There doesn't seem to be any up to date information about on it.

Thanks.

afaik you can do this but it may be too late for this election, ask at the county council office where you are registered and they should have a form for changing your polling area or electoral area.

Pandora2

Thanks folks:cool: Going to look at this again...I'll keep you posted.

Andy!!

Pandora2 wrote: »

B. David Norris born Leopoldville, Belgian Congo.

Really? Thats hilarious lol.

I plan to vote for David Norris. I have felt for a few years with him as President and Michael O'Leary as Taoiseach, Ireland would see an eventual and long overdue rise in quality of life, instead of driving its young freshly educated away in their tens of thousands. So I am glad to see him running finally. I am very very opposed to his previous actions but he is still Irelands best chance IMO.

And to all the people casting aspersions towards me in this thread, I take voting very seriously, and travel a long distance every time to do so. It was not a decision I made lightly last time. But it seems every single person vying for these jobs is so greedy in-affectual old person who is dangerously out of touch. David Norris is no spring chicken, but he cares about Ireland, and its culture. He would be a great international figurehead.

Victor

Pandora2 wrote: »

It did not come up until I attempted to vote in the last Presidential Election. I had received an unsolicited form from my County Council, on which I correctly stated my birthplace as requested then, when I turned up to vote was told that because I was born In Scotland I was not eligible. I presented my Irish Passport and was told it was not relevant as my Country of birth was the only one I could vote in regarding Presidential () Elections & Referenda!!

While I can't comment on an RFA1 form from 14+ years ago, the curent RFA1 form quite clearly asks for citizenship, not place of birth.



The constitution specifies citizenship, not place of birth. This, to my knowledge has never been altered.

http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/upload/static/256.htm

THE PRESIDENT

Article 12

1. There shall be a President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), hereinafter called the President, who shall take precedence over all other persons in the State and who shall exercise and perform the powers and functions conferred on the President by this Constitution and by law.

2. 1° The President shall be elected by direct vote of the people.

2° Every citizen who has the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann shall have the right to vote at an election for President.

3° The voting shall be by secret ballot and on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

Dáil Éireann

Article 16

1. 1° Every citizen without distinction of sex who has reached the age of twenty-one years, and who is not placed under disability or incapacity by this Constitution or by law, shall be eligible for membership of Dáil Éireann.

2° i All citizens, and

ii such other persons in the State as may be determined by law,

without distinction of sex who have reached the age of eighteen years who are not disqualified by law and comply with the provisions of the law relating to the election of members of Dáil Éireann, shall have the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann.

3° No law shall be enacted placing any citizen under disability or incapacity for membership of Dáil Éireann on the ground of sex or disqualifying any citizen or other person from voting at an election for members of Dáil Éireann on that ground.

4° No voter may exercise more than one vote at an election for Dáil Éireann, and the voting shall be by secret ballot.

I researched it at the time and verified this was the case:(

I think some foolishness has gone on.

I understood the ability to vote if you were born in the 6 Counties as given our political situation in the past it was fairly understandable that there would be a day when all people on born on the Island would vote in the same election/referenda. But, North London/The Belgian Congo?? :eek:

Again, citizenship, not birth. It is not Norris's fault where his mother happened to give birth. Ireland has no problem wtih Scanlon's shenanigans - if the Americans want to prosecute her or withdraw her passport, that is for them to decide.

And yes, I am registered to vote, they just exclude me from this particular section of our electoral structure. It was explained to me that it was to stop those born anywhere other than the Island of Ireland participating in the amending of the Constitution...so it would appear that they allow some such person to uphold and defend the Constitution but not a say in its content

Again citizenshipo, not place fof birth. Sure if there was an insistance of having been born on the island of Ireland, a huge chuck of the country (and all of the Aran Islands) would be disenfranchised.

Extract From Citizens Information Website
Who can vote in elections and referenda?

The type of election you can vote in depends on your citizenship.The following people are eligible to vote:

• Irish citizens can vote in every election and referendum
• British citizens may vote at Dáil, European and local elections
• Other EU citizens may vote at European and local elections
• Non-EU citizens can vote at local elections only.

Presumably you are entitled to both Irish and British citizenship, but for the purpose of Irish voting, you are an Irish citizen and that is all that counts.

Pandora2

Woah there Victor!!

It is not my intention to cast any aspersion on anyone's right to stand in this election!! I was quite simply stating that this has happened to me. The form arrived unsolicited...I filled it in truthfully, I presented to vote and was turned away. I made immediate enquiries with the Presiding Officer who verified this was the case but also referred me to Corporate Services at The relevant County Council, I telephoned that day and the Presiding Officer's stance was upheld by a member of staff on that day. It was some considerable time ago but I recall being very stringent in my seeking of an explanation. I take my vote seriously!!

If there have been any changes in the interim they have passed me by!! I am in the process of looking into this again and as previously stated will keep you posted, I'm in bed sick at present!!

Thank you for the helpful information. I can't imagine why you would think anyone would make this up??

Victor

Pandora2 wrote: »

Woah there Victor!!

It is not my intention to cast any aspersion on anyone's right to stand in this election!!

I'm just stating things in case anyone conveniently misinterprets things.

I made immediate enquiries with the Presiding Officer who verified this was the case but also referred me to Corporate Services at The relevant County Council

None of their business. While the council's franchise office does the day to day work, the call as to whether you should have been allowed vote should have been bumped up to the Returning Officer (the Presiding Officer's boss), who doesn't work for the council.

Pandora2

There having been several years in the interim, and the internet not being an option at the time, certainly not for me, I did what I could on the day:(

Truthfully, in the interim, I forgot all about it:eek: Raging that I will again miss my opportunity to vote, particularly on the referenda! I am not surprised that things may have changed in the interim and, as I am sure you will appreciate, citizenship was not the hot issue it is today, you were much more likely to be asked place of birth, rather than your citizenship.

Anyhow, that does not change the fact that I left it too late to do anything about this and it's my fault I have no vote:(:(

However, unlike Dana, I have never sworn an oath of allegiance to another Country and I have issues with that!! It's a Fiasco!!

Pandora2

Hi Victor.....just thought to let you know....as I had no vote in the Presidential/Referenda (I was happy with the result though:D) I did not go to the Polling Station but my O/H did and was told he had no vote:eek: Needless to say he challenged this being born in Galway and working in the political arena himself. The Returning officer was forced to admit he saw both my and my eldest daughter's voting status and just refused him even though his status was voting rights in all elections...........queue red face and abject apology when he got a load of the O/H's ID......One sharply worded complaint winging it's way to the powers that be!!!