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Voting / Elections

By Waterford City & County Council

EU Mock Election gets Vote of Confidence!

On Tuesday, May 14th, five secondary schools from Waterford city and county got the opportunity to vote in a ‘mock’ EU election and learn about the democratic process.

An initiative of Europe Direct Waterford, Eurodesk and Waterford City and County Council, with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs, over 300 secondary school students experienced first-time voting in an election and learned about the opportunities for EU careers and travel.

The EU Mock Election and Careers Fair was held in the vestibule of the Theatre Royal and the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall.  Students were welcomed by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway, and were then introduced to the ‘polling booth’ as they got to cast their first ‘mock’ vote in an EU election.

Pól Ó Grádaigh, Language Affairs Officer with the European Commission Representation in Ireland spoke to the students about careers in language translation in the EU, while Mara Matthews and Mollie Mernagh of Comhairle na nOg spoke about the importance of young people using their vote and voicing their opinions.

Brian Leonard, Office Manager, Waterford Court Office acted as Returning Officer on the day, speaking to students about the voting and count process, his expertise ensuring the students left fully versed in the Irish election process.

Caoilan Walsh, a 5th Year De la Salle student and winner of the Europe Direct Soapbox Speechmaking competition in 2023 for the South-East Region spoke of his experience of representing his school at the National European Youth Parliament earlier this year, while Shane Horgan of Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service recounted his experience of Erasmus exchanges in seven European countries.

Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “We’re delighted to see so many young people here that are not only curious about the democratic process and how it works, but also realising that their vote really can make a difference and their voices will be heard when they cast their first vote.”

“I’d particularly like to thank the 300 students who took part in the mock election, their teachers and the teams from Eurodesk, the Southern Regional Assembly, PACT Youth Diversion Project and Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service for putting together a fun and engaging event that gave our young citizens an insight into the power of the democratic process.”

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Free-to-use-Images attached:DGM Photographic

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week opens Monday 13th May

Candidate Nominations

Candidate nomination papers for 7th June Local Elections, will be accepted from 9.30am on Monday 13th May 2024. The closing date for the acceptance of complete and valid nomination papers and all required supporting documentation is 12 noon on Saturday 18th May 2024.

Nomination Papers
Completed nomination papers must be delivered in person to the Returning Officer, Paul Johnston or his nominee by either yourself as the candidate or your proposer. Nominations delivered by any other means including post, email etc. are not acceptable and will be deemed invalid. This process is by appointment only.

In order to facilitate candidates and minimise delays, please contact the Corporate Services office in advance to book an appointment for a mutually convenient time. Please contact either Anne Flynn at 051-849685 or Honor Dunphy at 051-849695 in this regard.

  • Nomination Papers will not be accepted after 12 noon on Saturday May 18th 2024 under any circumstances.

Forms and guidelines for propsective candidates can be found on our Elections Hub.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice regarding Electoral Register Appeals

LOCAL AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS

Polling Day Friday 7th June 2024

I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT:

  1. The latest date for the receipt of Appeals in respect of the Register of Electors of the County of Waterford in advance of the 39th and 40th Referendums of the Constitution shall be Wednesday 22nd May 2024 at 4.30pm.
  2. All such Appeals will be heard by the County Registrar of Waterford Circuit Court, sitting at the Courthouse, Catherine Street, Waterford, and should be directed by post or personal delivery to that address.
  3. Any Appeals received after the final date shall not be considered by the County Registrar until after Polling Day for above referendums.

Dated this 30th day of April 2024.

Signed : James Seymour, County Registrar, Waterford Circuit Court.

Electoral Act 1992: Schedule 2, Rule 39, (inserted by Section 106 (j) Electoral Reform Act 2022)

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council launches Election Hub ahead of Local Elections 2024

Waterford City and County Council recently launched its dedicated Elections Hub site.

The online hub Waterford Elections 2024 provides real time information ahead of the upcoming local and European elections.

The site contains information about the local and European elections, details of Waterford’s six electoral areas, along with information about voting eligibility.

This, the first dedicated election hub to be rolled out by a local authority in Ireland, was designed by Waterford City and County Council’s GIS and Data Transformation team.

Commenting on the launch of the hub, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is an informative, accessible, and easy-to-use resource, available in Irish and English, that will answer the questions Waterford’s electorate is asking.

“It offers key information in the run up to the elections such as providing directions to assigned polling stations and local electoral area maps which will prove very useful and make the voting process easier.”

The mayor added, “We are particularly proud that the hub is also available in Irish. As a Gaeltacht County, this resource will be a valuable and trusted source of information ‘as Gaeilge’ for all our citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box.”

Jon Hawkins, Waterford City and County Council’s GIS Project Lead, explains the premise of the hub. “Waterford Elections hub was built using the council’s geographical information system (ArcGIS by ESRI) and is updated daily from the Register of Electors database, using its data integration and data enrichment platform, FME by Safe Software.

“Not only will it provide residents and voters with relevant ballot information before they cast their vote, but the design also aims to increase voter participation as it helps voters find their assigned polling station so they can easily cast their vote on the day.”

Dermot O’Kane of ERSI welcomed the initiative saying, “This is a fantastic new resource for the people of Waterford. This new web app harnesses the power of data to provide its citizens with easy access to election information, empowering them to engage meaningfully in the process.”

Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services and Returning Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “The hub will continue to update and evolve over the coming months. Once the election polling day is announced by the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Waterford City and County Council will publish notice inviting nominations, which when approved, will be added to the hub.

“This information will include the name and address of the candidate and the electoral area in which they are running. In total, candidates will contest for 32 seats across six local electoral areas in Waterford city and county.”

The hub can be used to access information such as:

  • Locate my Polling Station: This application helps you locate your assigned Polling Station by entering your Eircode.
  • Local Electoral Area Map: View the extent of each individual Electoral Area within Waterford City and County on desktop, tablet, or smart phone.
  • Voting and Registration FAQs: Comprehensive list of common questions you may be asking before an election or casting your ballot.
  • Who are my Councillors: By simply entering your Eircode you will be informed about what electoral area you live within and details of current local, national and European Elected representatives (updated when Notice of Poll date closing date has passed).
  • Election Results: Explore certified results as they become available.

Find out more about the upcoming local and European elections at Waterford Elections 2024 at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

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Images: Free to use – Patrick Browne: At the launch of the Waterford Elections online hub with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway are Honor Dunphy Administrative Officer, Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Officer, Jon Hawkins GIS Project Lead, Waterford City & County Council

By Waterford City & County Council

Seolann Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge Mol Toghcháin roimh Thoghcháin Áitiúla 2024

Sheol Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge láithreán tiomnaithe Toghchán le déanaí.

Cuireann an mol ar líne Toghcháin Phort Láirge 2024 eolas fíor-ama ar fáil roimh na toghcháin áitiúla agus Eorpacha atá ar na bacáin.

Tá eolas ar an láithreán faoi na toghcháin áitiúla agus Eorpacha, sonraí faoi shé thoghcheantar Phort Láirge, mar aon le heolas faoi incháilitheacht vótála.

Ba é foireann GIS agus Claochlaithe Sonraí de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge a dhear an mol seo, an chéad mhol toghcháin tiomnaithe atá curtha ar fáil ag údarás áitiúil in Éirinn.

Ag trácht ar sheoladh an mhoil, dúirt Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Comhairleoir Seosamh Ó Conmhuí, “Is acmhainn faisnéiseach, inrochtana agus éasca le húsáid í seo, atá ar fáil i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla, a thabharfaidh freagra ar na ceisteanna atá á gcur ag toghthóirí Phort Láirge.

“Cuireann sé faisnéis ríthábhachtach ar fáil sa tréimhse roimh na toghcháin, ar nós faisnéis faoi threoracha chuig stáisiúin vótála sannta agus léarscáileanna na dtoghcheantar áitiúil, rudaí a bheidh an-úsáideach agus a dhéanfaidh an próiseas vótála níos éasca do dhaoine.”

Dúirt an Méara chomh maith, “Táimid an-bhródúil go bhfuil an mol seo ar fáil i nGaeilge freisin. Mar chontae Gaeltachta, foinse eolais an-luachmhar agus iontaofa as Gaeilge a bheidh san acmhainn seo, a thabharfaidh deis dár saoránaigh uile cinneadh eolach a dhéanamh ag an mbosca ballóide.”

Tugann Jon Hawkins, Ceannaire Tionscadail GIS Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, míniú ar bhunús an mhoil. “Tógadh Mol Toghcháin Phort Láirge trí úsáid a bhaint as córas faisnéise geografaí na Comhairle (ArcGIS an ESRI) agus déantar é a nuashonrú go laethúil ó bhunachar sonraí Chlár na dToghthóirí, ag baint úsáide as a ardán comhtháthaithe agus saibhrithe sonraí, FME de chuid Safe Software.

“Ní hamháin go gcuirfidh sé faisnéis bhallóide ábhartha ar fáil do chónaitheoirí agus do vótálaithe sula gcaithfidh siad a vóta, ach tá sé mar aidhm ag an dearadh freisin rannpháirtíocht vótálaithe a mhéadú mar go gcabhraíonn sé le vótálaithe teacht ar a stáisiún vótála sannta ionas gur féidir leo a vóta a chaitheamh go héasca ar an lá.”

Chuir Dermot O’Kane ón ESRI fáilte roimh an tionscnamh ag rá, “Acmhainn nua iontach is ea í seo do phobal Phort Láirge. Úsáideann an aip seo cumhacht sonraí chun rochtain simplí ar eolas faoin dtoghchán a thabhairt do shaoránaigh, ag cur ar a gcumas dul i ngleic go fóinteach leis an bpróiséas vótála.”

Dúirt Paul Johnston, Stiúrthóir Gníomhach Seirbhísí agus Ceann Comhairimh le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, “Leanfaidh an mol ag uasdátú agus ag athrú sna míonna amach romhainn. A luaithe is a fhógróidh an tAire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil lá vótaíochta an toghcháin, foilseoidh Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge fógra ag lorg ainmniúchán, a chuirfear leis an mol nuair a cheadófar é.

“Beidh ainm agus seoladh an iarrthóra agus an toghcheantair ina bhfuil siad ag rith san áireamh san fhaisnéis seo. Ar an iomlán, beidh iarrthóirí ag seasamh chun 32 shuíochán a líonadh trasna sé cinn de thoghlimistéir áitiúla i gcathair agus i gcontae Phort Láirge.”

Is féidir an mol a úsáid chun rochtain a fháil ar fhaisnéis amhail:

  • Aimsigh mo Stáisiún Vótála: Cabhraíonn an feidhmchlár seo leat do Stáisiún Vótála a aimsiú trí d’Eirchód a chur isteach.
  • Léarscáil na dToghcheantar Áitiúil: Breathnaigh ar mhéid gach Toghcheantair ar leith laistigh de Chathair agus Contae Phort Láirge ar ríomhaire deisce, ar tháibléad nó ar fhón cliste.
  • Ceisteanna Coitianta faoi Vótáil agus Clárú: Liosta cuimsitheach de cheisteanna coitianta a d’fhéadfá a chur roimh thoghchán nó do bhallóid a chaitheamh.
  • Cé hiad mo Chomhairleoirí: Trí d’Eirchód a chur isteach, cuirfear ar an eolas thú faoin toghlimistéar ina bhfuil cónaí ort agus faoi shonraí na n-ionadaithe tofa áitiúla, náisiúnta agus Eorpacha atá ann faoi láthair (arna thabhairt cothrom le dáta nuair a bheidh dáta deiridh an Fhógra Vótaíochta caite).
  • Torthaí na dToghchán: Déan iniúchadh ar thorthaí deimhnithe de réir mar a bheidh siad ar fáil.

Faigh tuilleadh eolais faoi na toghcháin áitiúla agus Eorpacha atá ar na bacáin ag Toghcháin Phort Láirge 2024 ag www.waterfordcouncil.ie

-críoch-

Íomhánna: Saor in Aisce le húsáid — Patrick Browne: Ag seoladh mhol ar líne do Thoghcháin Phort Láirge le Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Comhairleoir Seosamh Ó Conmhuí, tá Honor Dunphy, Oifigeach Riaracháin; Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge agus Jon Hawkins Ceannaire Tionscadail GIS, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

By Waterford City & County Council

Improvements to voter registration process launched as new Check the Register campaign begins


  • Registering to vote now possible online, year-round
  • 16 and 17 year olds can now pre-register online
  • Public encouraged to confirm and update their details online

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D. and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, T.D. together encouraged the public to confirm and update their details on the electoral register or to register for the first time using a newly upgraded www.checktheregister.ie. Their comments come as a campaign launched today (7 November) to raise public awareness of changes to the electoral registration process.

Several improvements have been made to the process of registering to vote and updating registration details, arising from provisions in Part 3 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, which were commenced on 13 October.

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 www.checktheregister.ie to confirm or update their entry by adding their PPSN, Date of Birth and Eircode.  This will help local authorities to ensure that entries are accurate and up to date as well as enabling 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. Under the changes announced today, continuous or rolling registration will allow updates or additions at any time of year;
  • Streamlining of the application process through use of PPSNs: The use of PPSNs 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: PPSNs 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.

Minister Noonan said:

“I am particularly pleased that we have introduced pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds.  Taken together, these changes give us a more accessible, flexible and modern system that’s simple and straightforward to use. It has never been easier for people to register to vote or update their details, so that’s what we’re encouraging everyone to do today.”

The Electoral Reform Act 2022 delivers the legislative underpinning for a range of significant electoral reforms set out in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future.   The Act provides for, among other things, the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission – An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the modernisation of the electoral registration process, and the regulation of online political advertising.

Commenced on 13 October in S.I. No. 512 of 2022 were the provisions necessary for:

  • the recruitment of the Chief Executive and ordinary membership of An Coimisiún Toghcháin;
  • the introduction of the new process in relation to electoral registration;
  • providing for island voting to take place on the same day as the rest of the country; and
  • the introduction of new processes to facilitate polling in pandemic situations.

Furthermore, existing flexible voting arrangements are being extended to those with mental health difficulties that prevent them from attending on polling day and those who live in nursing homes or similar places that may be inaccessible on polling day.

Welcoming the first phase of commencements of the Act, Minister O’Brien said:

“This first phase of commencement of the Electoral Reform Act and the launch of this awareness campaign represents another step in delivering on significant electoral reforms, and will help to ensure that our democracy is supported by robust electoral structures including a more accurate electoral register”.

Once An Coimisiún Toghcháin is established it will also have a new oversight role with respect to the register of electors. “An annual reporting cycle, with An Coimisiún empowered to make recommendations and set standards, will deliver a balance between local authority experience and local knowledge and national level oversight” said Minister Noonan.

A further phase of the project will see the development and roll out of a national system for use by all local authorities.  This will further enhance the integrity of the register and ensure that a single high standard of security and data protection is applied to the electoral register and its underlying data.

Minister O’Brien emphasised that: “This is one further step in the work to safeguard our electoral processes. Every vote is important, and I encourage everyone to confirm or update their details on www.checktheregister.ie to make sure that they can have their say”.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Special Voters List Application

special_voter_list_waterford

Special Voters List for people who have a physical disability or illness who are residing in hospitals, nursing homes or similar institutions and who wish to vote at these locations.

To qualify, an elector’s physical disability must be likely to continue for the duration of the register and prevent him/her from going to the polling station to vote. To apply fill out the application form for entry onto the Special Voters List Form SV1.

Applications for inclusion on the Special Voters List must be made every year before 25th November and in the case of a first application, must be accompanied by a medical certificate.
Electors on the Special Voters List vote by marking a ballot paper delivered to them by a special presiding officer accompanied by a Garda.

Application forms are available here

SV1 – Special Voters – Bilingual

on checktheregister.ie and from our Customer Services Departments in Bailey’s New Street, Waterford and Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan which are open from 9.30am – 4pm (Monday – Friday) and also from the Corporate Department, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.
To be included on the February 2022 Special Voters List complete and return the completed form by 25th November, 2021 to the Customer Services Department or by post to:
Register of Electors, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall,

 

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

DEADLINE: Inclusion on the annual draft Register of Electors

A new Register of Electors is compiled each year, and the draft of this is published on 1st February of the following year.

You can be included on the draft register by completing Form RFA and returning it to the Franchise Section of Waterford City and County Council.

The public is invited to check the Draft Register to make sure they are correctly registered.

You have until the 25th November 2020 to make a correction or have your name included on the draft Register. The Live Register of Electors is then published on 1st February of the following year and comes into force on the 15th February.

To be able to vote in an election or referendum, a person’s name must be entered in the Register of Electors for the locality in which the person ordinarily resides.

Please note it is a person’s own responsibility to ensure that they are registered (or de-registered), and/or to inform the local authority of a change of address. A person may be registered at one address only.

Application Forms

Foirmeacha Iarratais

By Waterford City & County Council

DEADLINE: Inclusion on the annual draft Register of Electors

A new Register of Electors is compiled each year, and the draft of this is published on 1st February of the following year.

You can be included on the draft register by completing Form RFA and returning it to the Franchise Section of Waterford City and County Council.

The public is invited to check the Draft Register to make sure they are correctly registered.

You have until the 25th November 2020 to make a correction or have your name included on the draft Register. The Live Register of Electors is then published on 1st February of the following year and comes into force on the 15th February.

To be able to vote in an election or referendum, a person’s name must be entered in the Register of Electors for the locality in which the person ordinarily resides.

Please note it is a person’s own responsibility to ensure that they are registered (or de-registered), and/or to inform the local authority of a change of address. A person may be registered at one address only.

Application Forms

Foirmeacha Iarratais

By Waterford City & County Council

DEADLINE: Inclusion on the annual draft Register of Electors

A new Register of Electors is compiled each year, and the draft of this is published on 1st February of the following year.

You can be included on the draft register by completing Form RFA and returning it to the Franchise Section of Waterford City and County Council.

The public is invited to check the Draft Register to make sure they are correctly registered.

You have until the 25th November 2020 to make a correction or have your name included on the draft Register.  The Live Register of Electors is then published on 1st February of the following year and comes into force on the 15th February.

To be able to vote in an election or referendum, a person’s name must be entered in the Register of Electors for the locality in which the person ordinarily resides.

Please note it is a person’s own responsibility to ensure that they are registered (or de-registered), and/or to inform the local authority of a change of address. A person may be registered at one address only.

Application Forms

Foirmeacha Iarratais

By Waterford City & County Council

DEADLINE: Inclusion on the annual draft Register of Electors

A new Register of Electors is compiled each year, and the draft of this is published on 1st February of the following year.

You can be included on the draft register by completing Form RFA and returning it to the Franchise Section of Waterford City and County Council.

You can inspect the Draft Register during working hours at Customer Services of the City and County Council or the Offices of the County Registrar, at public libraries, post offices and Garda stations. The public is invited to check the Draft Register to make sure they are correctly registered.

You have until the 25th November 2020 to make a correction or have your name included on the draft Register. The Live Register of Electors is then published on 1st February of the following year and comes into force on the 15th February.

To be able to vote in an election or referendum, a person’s name must be entered in the Register of Electors for the locality in which the person ordinarily resides.

Please note it is a person’s own responsibility to ensure that they are registered (or de-registered), and/or to inform the local authority of a change of address. A person may be registered at one address only.

Application Forms

Foirmeacha Iarratais

By Waterford City & County Council

DEADLINE: Inclusion on the annual draft Register of Electors

A new Register of Electors is compiled each year, and the draft of this is published on 1st February of the following year.

You can be included on the draft register by completing Form RFA and returning it to the Franchise Section of Waterford City and County Council.

You can inspect the Draft Register during working hours at Customer Services of the City and County Council or the Offices of the County Registrar, at public libraries, post offices and Garda stations. The public is invited to check the Draft Register to make sure they are correctly registered.

You have until the 25th November to make a correction or have your name included on the draft Register. The Live Register of Electors is then published on 1st February of the following year and comes into force on the 15th February.

To be able to vote in an election or referendum, a person’s name must be entered in the Register of Electors for the locality in which the person ordinarily resides.

Please note it is a person’s own responsibility to ensure that they are registered (or de-registered), and/or to inform the local authority of a change of address. A person may be registered at one address only.

Application Forms

Foirmeacha Iarratais

By Waterford City & County Council

Special Voters’ List

The Special Voters List is for people who have a physical disability or illness who are residing in hospitals, nursing homes or similar institutions and who wish to vote at those locations.

To qualify, an elector’s physical disability must be likely to continue for the duration of the register and prevent him/her from going to the polling station to vote. To apply, fill out the
application form for entry onto the Special Voters List Form SV1.

Applications for inclusion on the Special Voters List must be made every year before 25th November and in the case of the first application, must be accompanied by a medical certificate.

Electors on the Special Voters list vote by marking a ballot paper delivered to them by a special presiding officer accompanied by a Garda.

Application forms are available on checktheregister.ie and from our Customer Services Departments in Baileys New Street, Waterford and Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan which are open from 9.30am-4pm (Monday-Friday).

To be included on the February 2021 Special Voters List complete and return the form by 25th November 2020 to the Customer Services Department or by post to:
Register of Electors, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

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