Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General information
What does An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission do?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin is a statutory, independent body, established on 9 February 2023 with responsibility for a broad range of electoral functions set out in the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún is central to Ireland’s electoral system, carrying out a range of existing electoral functions, including:
– the decision-making, oversight, secretariat and supporting services associated with explaining the subject matter of referendum proposals, the promotion of public awareness of referendums and encouragement of the electorate to vote at referendum polls;
– the conducting of reviews and making reports in relation to the constituencies for the election of members to the Dáil and the election of members to the European Parliament;
– responsibility for the registration of political parties; and
– making reports for the Minister in relation to local electoral boundaries.
An Coimisiún is also tasked with several new electoral roles, including:
– preparing research programmes and conducting research on electoral policy and procedure, and providing advice, as required, to the Minister and Government;
– promoting public awareness of, and working to increase public participation in the State’s electoral and democratic processes through education and information programmes;
– overseeing the modernised Electoral Register, making recommendations and setting standards in relation to its maintenance and updating;
– the regulation of online paid-for political advertising, ensuring transparency in respect of online political advertisements during the period of an election or referendum campaign (Legislation not yet commenced);
– responsibility for the investigation and monitoring of online disinformation, online misinformation and manipulative or inauthentic behaviour online during election campaign periods, as well as functions to prevent manipulative or inauthentic behaviours online (Legislation not yet commenced);
– the preparation of ex-post reports on the administration of electoral events.
Who are the Members the Electoral Commission?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent Electoral Commission is made up of seven members. The chairperson is Supreme Court Justice Marie Baker, who was nominated by the Chief Justice.
There are four ordinary members of the Commission who were appointed following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service. They are:
Alex Atwood
John Curran
Professor Caroline Fennell
Maura Quinn
There are also two ex-officio members:
Ger Deering, Ombudsman.
Peter Finnegan, Clerk of the Dáil.
They are supported in their work by an Executive which is headed by CEO Art O’Leary.
Who funds the Electoral Commission?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission is an independent public body so we are not under any Government Department or Minister. We are publicly funded through our own independent Vote (Vote 23) and are directly accountable to the Oireachtas with our CEO as our Accounting Officer.
What are the rules in relation to postering?
There are rules governing posters, leaflets, and other forms of advertising, during an election campaign. Local authorities have powers to remove posters where it is in the public interest to do so.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin does not have responsibility for electoral policy or legislation in relation to the bye-laws or other rules governing posters being erected or when they must be removed. This policy and legislative responsibility rests primarily with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The legislation governing placement of posters at election time is The Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment)(No.2) Act 2009. The legislation provides that erection of posters is only permitted from the date the order is made by the Minister appointing the polling day or 30 days prior to the date of the poll, whichever is the shorter period. Posters must be removed within 7 days of the polling day.
How can I work at a polling station on polling day?
Employment of staff for electoral events is the responsibility of the Returning Officer for each constituency.
If you are interested in working at a polling station you can contact the Local Returning Officer in your constituency for more information.
View the list of Returning Officers is available online here.
How are polling stations selected?
The selection of polling stations is carried out by the local returning officers.
If you have any questions regarding your polling station, you can contact your local authority who will be a position to assist you.
Read more information about postal voting on our accessible voting page.
Why are pencils available in polling stations?
Pencils are available at all polling stations but you can bring your own pen or pencil if you wish.
Pencils are provided at all polling stations as:
– they last longer and do not dry out between electoral events;
– pencil lead cannot smudge onto other ballot papers;
– pencil lead will not smudge/leak if the ballot paper gets wet;
– If ink from a pen smudges or leaks onto another ballot paper this may cause that paper to be invalid.
Using pencils for voting is an international standard and not just used in Ireland. The UK, Australia, Canada and many other countries all use pencils to vote. However, you may bring and use your own pen.
Who can be present in a polling station?
Persons permitted to be present in a polling station on polling day include:
– the Local Returning Officer, their representatives or messengers sent by or on their behalf;
– the Presiding Officer and Poll Clerk;
– the Supervisory Presiding Officer (if one is appointed);
– any member of the Dáil for the constituency and any member of the Seanad;
– any personation agent appointed for your station, electors attending to vote;
– a person acting as “companion” to an elector with a physical disability, visual impairment or literacy difficulty;
– Gardaí on duty;
– any person authorised by the Local Returning Officer to be present at your station.
How do I become a candidate to run in an election?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin does not have responsibility for policy in relation to how election candidates are nominated at different elections, this policy responsibility rests with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Day to day management of the nomination process for election candidates at different elections, including acceptance of nomination forms is undertaken by each Returning Officer for the particular type of election.
View contact details for European Election Returning Officers.
View contact information for Local Authority Returning Officers.
Information about local elections
What are the local elections?
Local elections take place in Ireland every 5 years. The purpose of the elections is to elect Councillors to our Local Authorities.
There are 31 Local Authorities:
– 26 County Councils – 3 of which are in Dublin (Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin)
– 3 City Councils – Cork, Dublin and Galway
– 2 City and County councils – Limerick and Waterford
Local Authorities fulfil a wide range of functions, including housing, planning, traffic, parks and sports amenities, library services, promotion of arts and culture, roads improvements, funding for community initiatives, fire and emergency services, litter prevention and control and more.
Further information on the roles and functions of local authorities can be found at the following links:
– gov – Local Government: Structure and Functions (www.gov.ie)
– Local government – LGMA
Councillors have a policy making and oversight role in relation to how their local authority operates. They also represent the views of the local community when decisions are being made by the local authority executive.
How many local councillors are there in Ireland?
There are currently 949 Local Councillors across the 31 Local Authorities in Ireland.
Who can vote in local elections?
All those who meet the following criteria are eligible to vote in Local Elections:
– Aged 18 years or over;
– Ordinarily resident in Ireland;
– On the electoral register (You can check this using www.checktheregister.ie)
You DO NOT need to be an Irish citizen to vote in the local elections.
You can register to vote or update your details at anytime at checktheregister.ie
How are the local elections managed?
The Local Authority Returning Officer manages the election for each local authority. Each local authority meets the cost of running the election.
View contact information for Local Authority Returning Officers.
Information about European elections
What are European Parliament elections?
The European Parliament represents the interests of the 448 million citizens of the European Union. It has legislative, budgetary and supervisory powers and plays an important part in shaping EU legislation, the annual EU budget, and in supervising the work of EU institutions, including the European Commission.
The Members of the European Parliament are directly elected by EU citizens every 5 years.
Seats are allocated on the basis of population of each Member State of the European Union. No country can have fewer than 6 or more than 96 MEPs and the total number cannot exceed 750 (plus the President).
In the most recent European elections held on Friday 7 June 2024, Ireland elected 14 MEPs.
Who can vote in European Parliament elections?
You are eligible to vote in the European elections in Ireland if you are:
– 18 years or older
– registered to vote
– an Irish or an EU citizen who is ordinarily resident in Ireland
Irish citizens residing in other EU Countries can vote in their country of residence.
If you are an EU citizen but have not registered to vote at a previous European election in Ireland you must apply for registration and complete a statutory declaration form, EP1 (available from your local authority). The statutory declarations are sent to your home Member State to make sure people are not voting twice.
What are the European Parliament constituencies in Ireland?
There are 3 European Parliament constituencies in Ireland:
– Dublin 4 MEPs: comprising the counties of Dún Laoghaire, Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin; and the city of Dublin;
– Midlands – North West 5 MEPs: comprising the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath, and the city of Galway
– South 5 MEPs: comprising the counties of Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow; the city of Cork, the city and county of Limerick and the city and county of Waterford
Each elector votes in the constituency in which they are registered. You can register to vote or check your make sure your details are correct on the electoral register using www.checktheregister.ie
Information about the Limerick mayoral election
Why was there an election for Mayor of Limerick in 2024?
In May 2019, the people of Limerick city and county voted in favour of a proposal for a directly elected Mayor with executive functions. The legislation to create this new role was signed by the President in early March 2024. The Mayor will remain in office for five years. The Mayor can serve a maximum of two terms of office, which can be consecutive or non-consecutive.
Who can vote in the election for directly elected Mayor of Limerick?
To vote in the election for the Mayor of Limerick you have to be;
– 18 years’ old
– Ordinarily resident in the State; and
– Registered to vote within the Limerick City and County Electoral Areas
Voting in Irish elections
Am I registered to vote?
You must be on the Register of Electors to cast your vote on polling day.
You can check whether you are on the Register of Electors at checktheregister.ie or by contacting your local authority. Please see Local Authority contact list.
Even if you think that you are registered to vote, you should look on Checktheregister.ie to make sure that your details, including your address, are correct and up to date. Your polling information card will be sent to the address that you have recorded on the Register of Electors so you should check if you have changed address recently.
Are my details up to date on the electoral register?
You can check if your details (e.g. address, Eircode, PPSN, date of birth) are correct on the electoral register at Check the Register or by contacting your local authority. Please see Local Authority contact list.
Where can I vote?
Your designated polling station will be on your polling information card. Your polling information card should be sent to you in the post before polling day. It will be sent to the address that you have registered on the Register of Electors.
If you do not receive a polling card, you can check your designated polling station at www.checktheregister.ie or by checking the relevant Returning Officer website for your county. You can only vote in your designated polling station.
Can I get a postal vote?
Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law.
These include:
– Members of An Garda Síochána
– Members of the Defence Forces
– Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/partners
– Those who are unable to vote in person at their local polling station because of an illness or disability
– Electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person on polling day
– Full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State
– Anonymous Electors or members of the household of the person whose safety would be at risk if their name and address were published on the register of electors
– Prisoners
The relevant forms to apply for a postal vote are available from Check the Register or your Local Authority. Please see Local Authority contact list.
Your completed form can be returned to your Local Authority at any time. However, in order to be eligible for a postal vote in Irish elections, your form must be received by your Local Authority before the deadline which will be announced in advance of an election.
Read more information about postal voting on our accessible voting page.
How do I vote by post?
Once you have submitted the relevant form and documentation, you will receive a set of voting documents comprising:
– ballot papers;
– receipt for the ballot papers;
– an envelope in which to put the marked ballot papers; and
– a larger envelope for sending back the voting documents to the relevant Returning Officer.
To vote:
– You mark a ‘1’ in the box beside your first choice candidate and, if you wish, a ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice candidate, a ‘3’ in the box beside your third choice candidate, and so on. For each ballot paper make sure you start with ‘1’ then ‘2’ then ‘3’ and so on.
– Put your marked ballot papers into the envelope marked “Ballot Paper Envelope” and seal it;
– Put this envelope together with the completed receipt for the ballot paper into the large envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, seal it and post it at once;
– The ballot paper must be posted and cannot be handed to the Returning Officer.
Can I apply to be registered as a Special Voter?
A person residing in a hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution, who has a disability or illness which prevents them from going to the polling station, can vote at the hospital, nursing home or similar facility if they apply to be included in the special voters’ list which is prepared and maintained by registration authorities (city and county councils) as part of the register of electors.
In the case of a first application, and whenever required by the registration authorities in the case of a subsequent application, it must be accompanied by a certificate from a registered medical practitioner (such as a GP).
If you wish to register as a special voter, you should do so by completing form SV1, which is available on www.checktheregister.ie or from your Local Authority. Please see Local Authority contact list.
Your completed form can be returned to your Local Authority at any time, but in order to be eligible for a special vote in Irish elections, your form must be received by your Local Authority before the deadline which will be announced in advance of an election.
How do I cast my vote if I am registered as a Special Voter?
At an election or referendum, you will be notified of the day and approximate time (am/pm) when a special Presiding Officer will call at the hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution.
The special Presiding Officer will carry evidence of identity and an appointment warrant which they will present to you for inspection on arrival. The special Presiding Officer will be accompanied by a Garda whose role is to guard the ballot papers (in the same way as in a polling station) and to act as an independent witness to ensure that the voting procedure is carried out properly.
Only the Presiding Officer and the Garda may be present when the vote is cast. The Presiding Officer will give you a declaration of identity which they will witness.
You will then mark the ballot paper in secret, place it in the special envelope provided, close the envelope and give it to the Presiding Officer.
If assistance in voting is required, it will be provided by the special Presiding Officer in the same way as at a polling station.
In the exceptional event that the hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution of the special voter is not accessible to the special Presiding Officer, the Returning Officer can apply special voting procedures such as issuing a postal vote to the special voters affected.
How can I contact my Local Authority?
When will I receive my polling information card. Can I still vote if it doesn’t arrive before election day?
The issuing of polling information cards for Irish elections is carried out by local authorities. Work on the issuing of the polling information cards begins as soon as possible after the Polling Day Order is made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Deliveries via An Post will be made in batches on a staggered basis.
You do not need to bring your polling information card with you in order to vote.
If you would like check the location of your polling station you can do so on www.checktheregister.ie or www.voter.ie (Dublin only).
I will be out of the country on polling day. Can I vote?
You must cast your vote in your designated polling station on polling day, unless you have applied for a postal vote or a special vote.
How can I remove a family member from the Register of Electors?
In order to remove a family member from the register of electors you must complete a TPC1 Third Party Request to amend the register Form and post it to your local authority.
Use this form if you have reasonable grounds to believe that an entry on the register about another person is inaccurate (including, for example the death of a family member).
Your completed form can be returned to your Local Authority at any time.
A list of postal addresses of all local authorities can be found here: https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/contact
Glossary of electoral terms
An Coimisiún Toghcháin
Ireland’s statutory, independent electoral commission established on 9 February 2023, with responsibility for a broad range of electoral functions set out in the Electoral Reform Act 2022.
Anonymous electors
Voters whose safety would be at risk if their name and address were published on the register of electors.
Áras an Uachtaráin
Official residence of the President of Ireland
Approved bodies
At referendums, any organisation, public or private, and any registered political party can apply to become a temporary Approved Body for the duration of the referendum campaign. Approved bodies can appoint agents to:
– Be present at the issuing of ballot papers to postal voters, the opening of postal voters’ ballot papers, and at the counting of votes.
– Attend at each polling station (one person per polling station) to assist election officials in detecting the electoral offence of personation.
Ballot box
The box that voters place their completed ballot papers into.
Ballot paper
The paper used to cast a vote in an election. This will include instructions on how to vote, the candidates’ names, address and the name of the party and emblem that they represent if applicable.
Ballot paper template
This is a transparent plastic device that is placed on top of a ballot paper. The template has raised print and braille on it, so that visually impaired people can vote independently.
Broadcast moratorium
Broadcast moratorium is a period of time – generally from 2pm the day before polling day – in which radio and TV broadcasters must not include any information that might influence voters. The moratorium is imposed by the Coimisiun na Meán.
Bunreacht na hÉireann
The Constitution is a document which sets out Ireland’s basic laws. It describes how the country should be governed, the main institutions of the State and the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens.
By-election
An election that occurs when a seat in the Dáil or Seanad becomes vacant during the lifetime of a Dáil, usually because the sitting TD or Senator resigns, becomes ineligible to sit for some reason, or dies.
Candidate
A person who is running for election.
Canvassing
Trying to win votes by contacting voters directly, by going door to door for example.
Census
An official count of a country’s population. In Ireland, the census is carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) every five years. A review of the Dáil and European elections takes place following the results of each census.
Checktheregister.ie
Check the Register.ie is the website to register to vote or update your details.
Citizenship
A legal status granted by the State to those who are entitled to it, either by birth, descent or ‘naturalisation’. Only Irish citizens can vote in referendums and Presidential elections.
City and county councils
Local authorities/ Local Government responsible for services such as housing, planning, roads, water supply and recreation facilities in both a city and a county.
Civic engagement
Action people use to exercise the freedoms of democracy. This can include things such as sign a petition, contact their local councillor, vote, stand for election and become informed on issues.
Companion voting
If you have a visual impairment, a disability or a literacy difficulty that prevents you from voting without assistance, you can bring a companion with you to mark the ballot paper for you. This person must be at least 16 years of age, not be an election candidate or a candidate’s agent. This person must not help more than two people per election or referendum.
Constituency
Specific region where the political representatives are elected by the voters living there.
Constituency boundary
The border between one constituency and another.
Constituency review
A review of the Dáil and European boundaries that takes place following each census. The review of local electoral areas generally takes place after every second census. For more information see: Constituency and Electoral Boundary Reviews
Constitution
The Constitution is a document which sets out Ireland’s basic laws. It describes how the country should be governed, the main institutions of the State and the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens. In the Irish language, and commonly referred to as Bunreacht na hÉireann.
Councillor
Person elected to a local authority such as a county or city council. To represent the people living in that area.
Count
The counting of votes of an election, which takes place at a count centre under the direction of the Returning Officer.
Count centre
The location where the counting of votes take place following the transportation of all ballot boxes from all polling stations within the electoral area.
County council
A type of local authority covering a county responsible for services including housing, planning, roads, water supply and recreation facilities.
Dáil Éireann
Known as ‘the Dáil’ for short, the lower house of the Oireachtas. Elected representatives carry out a number of functions, such as debating and voting on issues and passing bills here.
Democracy
A society that favours equal rights, fair trials and freedom of speech in which people govern themselves. Ireland is a representative democracy which means we elect representatives to govern on our behalf.
Dissolution
An action by the President of Ireland (with the support of the Taoiseach) to end the current term of the Dáil so a general election can be held.
Directly Elected Mayor
The election of a Mayor by means of a direct vote of the people. The people of Limerick voted for the first directly elected mayor in Ireland on 7 June 2024.
Election
The formal process of voting to elect representatives at a local, national, European or Presidential level.
Election Agent
An officially nominated representative of a candidate.
Election day
The day when people cast their vote in an election. See also Polling Day.
Elected representative
An individual who represents an area at either local (Councillors), national (TD’s) or European (MEP) level.
Elector
A person who has the right to vote in an election and is registered to vote.
Electoral Commission
An Coimisiún Toghcháin (Irish for Electoral Commission) is a statutory, independent body, established on 9 February 2023 with responsibility for a broad range of electoral functions set out in the Electoral Reform Act 2022.
Electorate
All those who have a right to vote in an election and are registered to vote.
Electoral register
A list of those who have the right to vote in referendums and elections in Ireland.
Eliminated candidate
A candidate who is unsuccessful in an election and whose votes are distributed/transferred (see transfers) to the remaining candidates.
European election
Election of MEPs to the European Parliament by EU citizens, these elections are held every 5 years.
First preference vote
The first choice of a voter on their ballot paper.
Franchise Unit
The Section in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who have responsibility for electoral policy and law.
General Election
Election in which citizens on the electoral register cast their votes to elect TDs (Teachta Dála) to the Dáil.
Houses of the Oireachtas
The national parliament of Ireland which consists of the President, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. See also ‘Oireachtas’
Institutions of the State
The three main institutions of the State, are the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. For more information on this see: The Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann)
ID
Identification. You may be asked to show valid ID when you go to vote at a polling station and if asked you must show it.
For a full list of eligible ID, visit our Where to vote page.
Incumbent
A person (e.g., TD, Senator, Councillor) who currently holds a post or office.
Independent
A TD, Senator, Councillor or candidate who does not belong to a political party
Invalid vote
Votes can be deemed spoilt due to writing on the ballot paper, no clear first preference of a candidate is expressed or if the ballot paper was not stamped by the presiding officer or poll clerk. See also Spoilt Vote.
Irish Statute Book
Judiciary
The Courts have power to interpret and apply the law to disputes and conflicts which happen between the State and individual citizens, as well as disputes which happen between citizens.
Legislation
A law, or a set of laws or the act of making laws.
Legislature
The Oireachtas, the national parliament of Ireland which consists of the President, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
Local authority
Local authorities/local government are responsible for services such as housing, planning, roads, water supply and recreation facilities in both a city and a county.
Local elections
Elections that are held every 5 years to elect councillors to represent them to local authorities. There are 949 Councillors elected to 166 Local Electoral Areas across 31 Local Authorities.
Local Electoral Area (LEA)
Local electoral area is an electoral area (or constituency) for the election of 949 Councillors to the 31 local authorities. The country is split into 166 LEA’s.
Mayor
An elected head of a city or town. Most mayors are elected by Councillors of a Local Authority. Limerick is the first place to have a directly elected mayor, meaning the mayor was decided by means of a vote of the people of Limerick on 7 June 2024.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
An elected politician who represents their constituency in the European Parliament. There are currently 14 MEPs across three constituencies in Ireland, Midlands-North-West, South and Dublin.
Multi-seat constituencies
Constituencies that elect multiple candidates. Examples of these are Dáil and European constituencies who elect 3-5 candidates and in local elections elect 3-7 candidates.
Naturalisation
Naturalisation is when a person from outside Ireland is granted Irish citizenship by meeting certain residency conditions.
Non-party candidate
A candidate that does not belong to a political party.
Non-transferrable ballot papers
Ballot papers that have no further available preference available for distribution.
Oireachtas
The national parliament of Ireland which consists of the President, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
Order of preference
A voting system in which people vote for candidates in order of preference, putting 1 on the ballot paper beside their favourite candidate, 2 for their second favourite, 3 for their third favourite and so on.
Personation
Voter fraud, where a person pretends to be someone else, so that they can vote more than once, or vote in more than one constituency/LEA where they are not registered to do so.
Personation Agent
A person who attends a polling station to assist election officials in detecting the electoral offence of personation.
Plebiscite
A vote by all voters on a topic or question – for example, in a referendum; or a vote by members of a party to decide on a candidate.
Polling Clerk
Assists the presiding officer to carry out their duties.
Polling day
The day when people cast their vote for an electoral event.
Polling Day Order
An Order made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which sets the time and date for an electoral event.
Polling Information Card
A card that has your polling information, i.e location of polling station and polling hours.
Polling station
The location in a building where voting takes place during an election.
Postal voting
Voting in advance of an electoral event by post. To be eligible you must fill certain criteria and there are separate deadlines in place for registering ahead of an electoral event.
Preferential voting
A voting system in which people vote for candidates in order of preference, putting 1 on the ballot paper beside their favourite candidate, 2 for their second favourite, 3 for their third favourite and so on.
Presiding Officer
Presiding Officers are responsible for the opening, closing and conduct of their polling station throughout the day.
President
The head of the Irish State, who signs legislation into law.
Pre-Registration
Option for 16 and 17 year olds to ‘pre-register’ and be added to the electoral register when they turn 18. Electors who will turn 18 years of age on or before polling day and are included in the Register of Electors can vote if they are eligible to do so.
Proportional Representation
An electoral system in which the number of seats won by a party is broadly in proportion to the share of the vote the party candidates received.
PR-STV
PR-STV (Proportional Representation by means of a single transferrable vote) is a system of voting where several seats are available in a constituency. A person votes for their preferred candidates in order of preference, and any unused votes for that candidate (for example, if they already have enough to be elected) are transferred to other candidates in the constituency until all seats are filled.
Quota
The number of votes that a candidate generally needs to win a seat under a PR-STV system. The quota is calculated by dividing the total valid poll by 1 more than the number of available seats and then adding 1.
Referendum
A vote by the electorate, usually on a single issue such as a change to the Constitution or a European treaty.
Recount
The recounting of votes during a count, which is ordered by the Returning Officer.
Register of Electors
A list of those who have the right to vote in referendums and elections in Ireland. The register is organised by electoral area and is put together by local authorities.
Register of Political Parties
The list of legally registered political parties, who can run candidates in elections in Ireland.
Returning Officer
The Returning Officer is the official who is in charge of the running of the election (and count) in their constituency.
Running Mate
A person who runs for election in the same constituency as another candidate from the same party.
Seanad Éireann
The Upper House of the Oireachtas; known as the Seanad for short or the Senate.
Second preference
The second choice of a voter on their ballot paper, which is marked by a number ‘2’.
Senator
A Member of Seanad Éireann.
Separation of powers
A system in which each of the three branches of government – legislature, executive and judiciary – have separate functions and powers and the right to check the activities of the other branches to make sure that none of them becomes too powerful.
Single seat constituency
A constituency who elects one person. Examples of this are Presidential and directly-elected Mayoral elections.
SIPO
The Standards In Public Office Commission (SIPO) is tasked with overseeing ethics amongst those holding public office.
Supervisory Presiding Officer
The Supervisory Presiding Officer provides assistance to electors by directing them to their relevant polling station. They can offer advice on any issues related to the process of voting and provides general supervision duties at a polling station on polling day.
Surplus
The excess votes of a candidate after they reach the quota.
Surplus distribution
The distribution of votes following a candidate who has exceeded the quota and meets the criteria for distribution.
Special voter
A special voter is a person living in a hospital or nursing home who can vote in that location if registered as a special voter.
Spoilt vote
A vote that is deemed invalid and will not count. Votes can be deemed spoilt due to writing on the ballot paper, no clear first preference of a candidate is expressed or if the ballot paper was not stamped by the presiding officer or poll clerk.
Tally figures
The unofficial results compiled by tallymen and women who observe the sorting of ballot papers at a count.
Tallyman
A person who attends the counting of votes and, by watching the process, carries out an unofficial count of the ballot papers as the official count progresses.
Taoiseach
The head of the Irish Government.
TD
Teachta Dála; Member of Parliament (Lower House, ie Dáil).
Transfers
The distribution of an eliminated candidate votes (or a candidate whose surplus is being distributed) to the remaining candidates, by way of the second or further preferences expressed.
Vote
The act of casting a preference for an outcome or candidate(s) in a referendum or election.
Voter
A person who is entitled to vote and exercises their right to do so. A voter must be over 18 years of age and whose names appear on the Register of Electors.
Voter.ie
The Website for people from four local authorities in Dublin to register and update their registration details.
Voter turnout
The number or percentage of all voters who cast a vote in a given election.