How to vote
Voting in referendums and elections gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life and the future of our country.
Before voting day
The first step to be able to vote in Ireland is to register to vote. If you have already registered, it’s important to check your details are up to date and accurate.
You can do this by visiting: www.checktheregister.ie
Once you are registered to vote and you meet eligibility criteria for voting in a referendum, a polling information card will be posted to your address before polling day.
This polling information card includes:
- Your elector number
- The name of the polling station where you will go to vote
- A formal statement explaining what the referendum is about
You must vote at the polling station that is named on your polling information card, which will usually be your local polling station.
If you have a disability that means that you cannot use your local polling station, you can apply to vote in another polling station that is accessible for you. Read more information in our accessible voting section.
On voting day
On the day of the referendum or election, you should go to the polling station named on your polling information card between 7:00am and 10:00pm.
You will need to show a valid form of personal identification. Your polling card is not a valid form of identification.
You can use the following documents to prove your identity:
- A passport (either a passport card or passport book)
- A driving licence
- A workplace identity card (it must have a photograph)
- A student identity card (it must have a photograph)
- A travel document (it must have a photograph)
- A Public Services Card
- A bank or credit union account book with your name and address in the constituency
If you do not have any of the documents listed above, you can use one of the following, along with evidence of your address in the constituency:
- A cheque book or card
- A credit card
- A birth or marriage certificate
What your referendum ballot papers will look like:
View sample versions of the ballot papers for the referendums taking place on Friday 8 March 2024 below.
Casting your vote
When you arrive at the polling station named on your polling information card, you will be asked to say your name and address and you should have your identification ready for inspection.
If the Presiding Officer, or a member of their staff, is satisfied with your identity, and your name is on the Register of Electors, the Presiding Officer will stamp a ballot paper and give it to you.
You will take your ballot paper and then go into a private voting compartment.
The ballot paper contains short instructions on how to vote and details of the referendum proposal. It asks whether you approve of the proposal.
You should mark “X” in either the “yes” or the “no” box on the paper, then fold it and place it in a sealed ballot box.
Pencils will be provided, but you can bring your own pen or pencil if you wish.
You can read information on how to cast a postal vote and how to vote if you are on the special voter’s list.
Please note there are eligibility requirements to register for a postal vote or to be added to the special voter’s list.
