Register of Electors

Registering to vote or updating your details

In order to vote in an election or referendum, you must be:

• 18 years old, or over on the date of election/referendum
• resident in Ireland
• registered with your Local Authority on the Register of Electors

To register to vote or update your details, visit checktheregister.ie. Please note that you are now being asked to add your PPSN, date of birth and Eircode, even if you are already registered to vote. This allows us to confirm your details and helps to ensure the accuracy of the electoral register. 

Pre-registration for 16/17 year olds

You can now register to vote if you are aged 16 or over, however you will not be able to vote until you turn 18. This means that you  will automatically move to the electoral register once you reach the age of 18. Please visit checktheregister.ie to register your details.

Who can vote?

There are different rules for who can vote in different types of elections. This page describes the types of elections and who can vote in each one.

How can I vote?

There are different arrangements in place to facilitate you to vote depending on your circumstances, for example you may be eligible to vote by post, or you may qualify to have a companion who can help you mark the ballot paper. 

Postal/special voters

The categories of persons who can register as postal voters are:

• The Defence Forces
• An Garda Síochána
• Diplomats serving abroad
• Disabled voters living at home
• People who are unable to attend at their local polling station by reason of their occupation or education
• Prisoners
• Anonymous Electors
• Persons who are long term residents of a nursing home or similar institution can apply for inclusion on the Special Voters list

Application forms

Relevant applications are available here.