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• The crucial point today is that there is still time to register to vote in this General Election

• Register to Vote up to 22 January

• Individuals urged to check their registration status if they are unsure whether they are registered

The Register of Electors which will apply to the General Election on 8 February is the 2019-2020 register, plus the supplement to that register. 

“It is up to each of us as individuals to ensure we are correctly registered to vote and the best way to do that is to check directly with the relevant local authority” said Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, said. “However, the crucial point today is that there is still time to register to vote in this General Election.”

People should take the following steps to ensure that they are correctly registered to vote at the forthcoming general election.

Step 1

• Check online at checktheregister.ie if your details are included on the 2019-2020 electoral register. Alternatively, people can check directly with their local authority. If your details are included correctly no further action is necessary.

Step 2

• If your details are not included on the 2019-2020 register you should contact the relevant local authority where you live and check if your details are included in the supplement to the register of electors. If your details are included in the supplement to the register of electors no further action is required.

Step 3

• If your details are not included in either the register or the supplement to the register you should obtain the appropriate application from your local authority (or download it from checktheregister.ie) and complete the relevant form and, before signing the declaration, bring it along with photo ID to your local Garda station and sign it in the presence of a Member of An Garda Síochána, who will then stamp the form.   Forms must reach the local authority on or before close of business on 22 January 2020 in order for people to be registered for this election. People must call to the local authority to register, or send by post.  

Reform on the way

Today, the Government approved draft legislation containing a set of far reaching reforms to the electoral registration process that will resolve many of these issues in the future – a rolling register will replace the system of register and supplement.  Changes to identity verification and online registration, currently being piloted by the Dublin local authorities, will enable a more streamlined application process that will mean most people never have to go to a Garda station.   The Dublin pilot of voter.ie provides an additional option for those in Dublin with a MyGovID, which is linked to the Public Services Card, to register or update their details online at voter.ie.  An evaluation of the platform is planned for the first half of 2020 and will inform decision making on a national roll-out.

“While I appreciate that this is of little comfort to those who may be inconvenienced in registering for this election, substantial progress has been made towards a modernised process including a significant public consultation campaign and the preparation of outline legislation for reform” said Minister Murphy.