It’s absolutely bizarre to think that with less than one week to go until the deadline for registering to vote that over one hundred thousand – 100,000 – young Irish people are still not registered to vote.
Councillor Dave O’Keeffe revealed these figures on his Facebook page and the only county who doesn’t have at least 1,000 people left to register is Longford and Leitrim
Over 13,000 people in Cork, over 30,000 in Dublin with most other areas hovering around the 2 and 3k marks.
And, I have to hold my hands up because up until May 1st, I was part of the list. Although I printed off the form in February, yep, THREE FECKING MONTHS AGO, I kept putting it off thinking it would be too much hassle and take up too much time.
The definition of lazy right here, folks.
So, to answer that dreaded question – gulp – what do I need to do to vote?
It’s honestly so simple. First, check the register to make sure your name is defo, defo not on the list.
All you need is your Eircode to find out.
And if you are not registered and wish to be included, all you have to do is fill out this form right here.
- This form must be stamped and signed by a Garda. (Remember to bring photo identification with you.)
- In order to be registered the RFA2 Form must arrive in your City or County Council for the area in which you live 14 working days before the election date
But the deadline for registering is the 8th May so you need to be quick.
Whether you have a staunch ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ view, what’s important is that you exercise your right to vote and to make your voice heard.
Even if you’re undecided and think ‘I probably won’t vote anyway’, get yourself on the register because who knows, someone or something might influence you before the 25th of May.
You can find more information about registering here.