Accessible voting
There are a number of different options in place for people who are unable to vote in person at a polling station. These options are in place for various reasons including those related to disability, varying ability of reading and writing skills, illness or not being at your normal place of residence.
Voters who are unable to vote at a polling station can:
- Vote by post
- Vote in a hospital or nursing home (Special Voters list)
- Change the polling station where you vote
- Get assistance casting your vote
Vote by post
One key area changed by the Electoral Reform Act 2022 was the introduction of a rolling register. This means that people can update their details at any time of the year (except in the immediate run-up to an electoral event).
Another change brought about by the Electoral Reform Act 2022 was the eligibility for those with a mental illness or disability to apply for a postal vote.
To apply for a postal/special vote due to illness, disability or circumstance, you will need to complete the PV2 Application Form.
Application deadlines vary depending on the type of electoral event:
- Dáil/General Election – Two days after the date of dissolution of the Dáil
- Dáil bye-election – Two days after the polling day order is made
- Presidential, European, local elections or a referendum – At least 22 days before polling day (not including Sundays, Good Friday or Public Holidays)
Request a change of polling station
A number of inaccessible polling stations remained for the last electoral event (7 June elections). If you are a wheelchair user and/or have difficulties accessing your polling station you can apply in writing to the Returning Officer of your constituency. Applications to vote at an alternative polling station must be received at least a week in advance of polling day.
If possible, you should suggest another polling station that is both accessible and convenient for you. If you are not familiar with other polling stations in your area, the Returning Officer will pick an alternative station for you. If you provide an explanation of why your current station is inaccessible to you it will help the Returning Officer to pick an alternative.
The Returning Officer will send you written authorisation to vote at another polling station. You should present this authorisation (along with the usual evidence of identity) when you go to vote. Once you have been assigned another polling station, you cannot vote at your local station.
Assistance casting your vote
People with a disability can avail of different types of assistance when casting their ballot paper in the polling station. This can be done by having the assistance of:
- A Companion
- Presiding Officer
- A ballot paper template
You can read more information on the types of assistance available when casting your vote below.
Freephone numbers for visually impaired electors
European Elections
Dublin: 1800 110 200
South: 1800 100321
Midlands-North West: 1800 600 456
Local Elections
Carlow: 1800 928 983
Cavan: 1800 202 476
Clare: 1800 306 800
Cork City: 1800 283 034
Donegal: 1800 832 015
Dublin City: 1800 228 338
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown: 1800 804 535
Galway City: 1800 306 894
Galway County: 1800 928 894
Kildare: 1800 111 000
Kilkenny: 1800 500 000
Laois: 1800 832 010
Leitrim: 1800 702 651
Limerick City and County: 1800 83 20 73
Longford: 1800 832 016
Meath: 1800 808 809
Monaghan: 1800 78 78 78
Offaly: 1800 116644
Roscommon: 1800 637100
Sligo: 1800 379 379
South Dublin: 1800240520
Tipperary: 1800 11 2222
Waterford City and County: 051 849 670
Westmeath: 1800 805 816
Wexford: 1800 477 478
Wicklow: 1800 868 399