Longford people encouraged to confirm, update or register to vote

Longford people encouraged to confirm and update details or register to vote for the first time
Improvements to electoral registration process, including new rolling register

Press Release
21 November 2022

People living in County Longford are encouraged to confirm and update their details on the electoral register or to register for the first time using a newly upgraded checktheregister.ie, following changes to the electoral registration process.

Several improvements have been made to the process of registering to vote and updating registration details. Registering to vote is now possible online all year round. It is also possible for 16 and 17 year-olds to now pre-register online. In addition to making the process more accessible, the changes to how the register is managed and maintained will ensure a robust electoral register into the future.

All electors are now being asked to visit checktheregister.ie to confirm or update their entry by adding their personal public service (PPS) number, date of birth and Eircode. This will help local authorities, including Longford County Council, to ensure that entries are accurate and up to date. It will also enable the identification of entries on the register that require follow up.

The core changes to the electoral registration process include:

  • A move from fixed periods for updating details to rolling updates: previously people could only update their details in November or via the supplement which required a visit to a Garda station. There will now be a continuous or rolling registration to allow updates or additions at any time of year;
  • Streamlining of the application process through use of PPS numbers: The use of PPS numbers will enable a simple identity data cross-check to protect and improve the integrity of the register, while streamlining the process for electors. This will mean that most people won’t have to visit a Garda station to have their forms witnessed;
  • Registering to vote for the first time will now be possible online: PPS numbers also enable online applications - for the first time people can register to vote or update their details online at any time;
  • 16 and 17 year olds will be able to pre-register to vote: The introduction of a pending electors list to enable those 16 and 17 to pre-register and be automatically added to the register from when they turn 18.
  • New provisions to make the register more accessible to all: The new process includes measures to facilitate electors whose safety might be at risk if their details were to be published on the register and those who have no address.

Welcoming the changes Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “the electoral registration system is largely unchanged since the foundation of the State. These changes and modernisation of the electoral registration process are hugely beneficial for the public, for administration of the electoral process and for the accuracy and integrity of the register.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “The introduction of a process of continuous or rolling registration makes the registration process much more user-friendly and like the way people interact with other public services.”

For further information on the Register of Electors, email franchise@longfordcoco.ie. Alternatively, you can find more information on Longfordcoco.ie or follow Longford County Council on social media.

ENDS

All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.

Notes for Editors

  • A paper form will remain available for those who wish to use it, either with a PPSN or with an in-person identity check at a local Garda station similar to the previous process.
  • PPS numbers, Eircode and dates of birth will enable a more accurate register as identity information (name, PPSN and date of birth) will be cross-checked against identity information held by the Department of Social Protection. This simple and limited check will confirm that the details provided by the applicant are coherent and match a single, living individual.
  • Where a person does not have or does not provide a PPS number or where the cross-check does not confirm the information provided, they will need to submit a paper form certified on foot of an in-person identity check at a local Garda station or at the office of the registration authority.
  • Third party requests for amendment can still be made, for example where a person wishes to notify the local authority of a family member who has died or where a local representative is aware of changes in the locality. However people will be responsible for their own registration – there will be no household forms where people are added by others. Local authorities retain the power to seek any information they need to ensure a complete and accurate register. They have under the Electoral Reform Act explicit powers to request a person to provide their own PPS number, Eircode and date of birth.
  • Where entries are not updated or information cannot be confirmed local authorities can follow up and ultimately remove entries if they cannot be confirmed as appropriate or accurate. People will have ample opportunities to engage and can appeal a decision to remove them.
  • Inclusion of PPS numbers on the register will, over time, also assist in accurately identifying and removing people who are deceased.
  • A further phase of the project will see the development and roll-out of a national electoral registration system that will complete the data quality improvement process by allowing checks across the country to identify and remove duplicates. The system will also enable enhanced features for the public and ensure that a single high level of data protection and
    security will be applied to the data underpinning the register. This work is also underway and Dublin City Council is the lead authority as the new system will build on the success of Voter.ie in the Dublin area.
  • An Coimisiún Toghcháin will have an oversight role with respect to the electoral register and its processes. When An Coimisiún has been established, the final provision in Part 3 will also be commenced, setting in motion the annual reporting cycle. This will require all local authorities to report annually on the register and, taking that information and any research it has carried out, An Coimisiún will publish a report on its assessment on the overall status of the register and its processes. It can also make recommendations to local authorities and to the Minister.