Ireland’s Island residents will soon be able to vote on the same day as the rest of the country.
The Minister for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Sean Kyne, says Government approval for legislation on a voting bill has been confirmed that ensures island communities votes in elections and referendums on the same day as the rest of the country.
"The legislation will amend the electoral laws to enable island residents to participate in elections on the same day as the rest of the country." said Minister Kyne.
"Introduced by Deputy Eamon Ó Cuiv, the legislation can now be strengthened at committee stage so that it will apply to European and local elections, as well as general and presidential elections and referendums. It will also ensure a common-sense flexibility regarding polling hours on islands so as to avoid delays to elections counts.
"An analysis of previous polling times and dates for elections and referendums shows that counties with islands have adopted different approaches with most counties, including Galway, Mayo and Donegal, holding voting between one and three days prior to the rest of the country. Cork, however, has held same-day voting for islands in elections over the last two decades. With improved transport services to and from our islands in recent years, same-day voting is more practical and should be introduced."
