With news that the general election is set to be called tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd February, the deadline to register for your chance to vote is quickly approaching.
While you can officially check if you’re registered to vote by entering your details here, officials are warning that even if you’re on the database, your name may not appear online as the list is only updated once a year.
For the most recent records, or to double check, you can also ring your local council who can check your name against the most recent records – which will be a handy tool for those who registered for the first time ahead of the Marriage Referendum in May 2015.
So with the deadline quickly approaching – here’s how to register to vote by post or in person:
By Post
Deadline: Within two days of the election being called (realistically Friday)
According to Citizens Information, 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 September 1st before the register comes into force.
Postal votes are also available if you’re a member of An Garda Síochana, in prison or married to a diplomat based abroad.
To apply for a postal vote, you will need a completed application form and a signed letter from your employer, college or school (which all need to be sent back within two days of the election being called).
In Person
Deadline: February 9th (Tuesday)
For those not previously registered to vote, you will need to download and complete this form, before bringing it to a Garda station to have it witnessed. It must then reach the council before the deadline.
If you are registered to vote, but wish to change your personal details, you will need to download and complete this form, before bringing it to a Garda station to have it witnessed. It must then reach the council before the deadline.
