Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. General Information
What does An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission do?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin is a statutory, independent body, established on 9 February 2023 with responsibility for a broad range of electoral functions set out in the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún is central to Ireland’s electoral system, carrying out a range of existing electoral functions, including:
– the decision-making, oversight, secretariat and supporting services associated with explaining the subject matter of referendum proposals, the promotion of public awareness of referendums and encouragement of the electorate to vote at referendum polls;
– the conducting of reviews and making reports in relation to the constituencies for the election of members to the Dáil and the election of members to the European Parliament;
– responsibility for the registration of political parties; and
– making reports for the Minister in relation to local electoral boundaries.
An Coimisiún is also tasked with several new electoral roles, including:
– preparing research programmes and conducting research on electoral policy and procedure, and providing advice, as required, to the Minister and Government;
– promoting public awareness of, and working to increase public participation in the State’s electoral and democratic processes through education and information programmes;
– overseeing the modernised Electoral Register, making recommendations and setting standards in relation to its maintenance and updating;
– the regulation of online paid-for political advertising, ensuring transparency in respect of online political advertisements during the period of an election or referendum campaign (Legislation not yet commenced);
– responsibility for the investigation and monitoring of online disinformation, online misinformation and manipulative or inauthentic behaviour online during election campaign periods, as well as functions to prevent manipulative or inauthentic behaviours online (Legislation not yet commenced);
– the preparation of ex-post reports on the administration of electoral events.
Who are the Members of the Electoral Commission?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent Electoral Commission is made up of seven members. The chairperson is Supreme Court Justice Marie Baker, who was nominated by the Chief Justice.
There are four ordinary members of the Commission who were appointed following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service. They are:
Alex Atwood
John Curran
Professor Caroline Fennell
Maura Quinn
There are also two ex-officio members:
Ger Deering, Ombudsman.
Peter Finnegan, Clerk of the Dáil.
They are supported in their work by an Executive which is headed by CEO Art O’Leary.
Who funds the Electoral Commission?
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission is an independent public body so we are not under any Government Department or Minister. We are publicly funded through our own independent Vote (Vote 23) and are directly accountable to the Oireachtas with our CEO as our Accounting Officer.
2. Bye-election Information
What is a bye-election?
A bye-election is an election to elect a new member of the Dáil (TD) by filling a vacant (free) seat in a Dáil constituency between planned elections. This is different to a general election where multiple seats are filled across all Dáil constituencies.
If an elected member of the Dáil (TD) dies, resigns or retires, the election to fill their seat must be called within six months. This can be done by means of a bye-election in the constituency where the vacancy occurs, or it can also be filled if a general election is called within the six-month period.
As the next planned general election is not due to take place until the term of the current Dáil ends in 2029, bye-elections are taking place in Dublin Central and Galway West in May to fill two seats in the Dáil that have become vacant
Why are bye-elections being held now?
Two bye-elections are being held – in Dublin Central and Galway West – to fill Dáil seats that have become vacant (free).
A seat has become vacant in Galway West due to the election of Catherine Connolly as President on 25 October 2025, who was a TD for that constituency.
A seat has become vacant in Dublin Central due to the resignation of Paschal Donohue on 18 November 2025, who was a TD for that constituency.
When a TD dies or resigns, the Dáil passes a resolution directing the returning officer of the TD’s constituency to hold an election to fill the vacancy. The Dáil issues a writ (a legal order) to the returning officer to hold an election. Under electoral law the writ must be issued to the returning officer within six months of the death, resignation or retirement of the TD.
Where are the bye-elections being held?
Dáíl bye-elections will be held in just two constituencies – Dublin Central and Galway West.
These bye-elections are being held to fill two seats that have become vacant in these constituencies.
How do I know which constituency I live in?
You can check your constituency on What constituency am I in? – Electoral Commission webpage using your Eircode or address.
Can I vote in the bye-elections?
You can vote in a bye-election if you are:
-Registered to vote – you can check if you are registered to vote here: Check the Register
-An Irish or British citizen
-Aged over 18 on poling day
-Ordinarily resident in one of the two constituencies in which a bye-election is taking place – you can check your constituency here: What constituency am I in? – Electoral Commission
Who are the current TDs in the Galway West Constituency?
There are 5 seats in the Galway West constituency. Since the election of President Catherine Connolly, the four remaining TDs representing the Galway West constituency are (in alphabetical order of surname):
John Connolly, Fianna Fáíl
Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin
Noel Grealish, Independent
Hildegarde Naughton, Fine Gael
The bye-election in May will fill the vacant (free) fifth seat.
Who are the current TDs in the Dublin Central Constituency?
There are four seats in the Dublin Central constituency. Since the resignation of Paschal Donohue, the three remaining TDs representing the Dublin Central constituency are (in alphabetical order of surname):
Gary Gannon, Social Democrats
Mary-Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin
Marie Sherlock, Labour
The bye-election in May will fill the vacant fourth seat.
What is the deadline for registering to vote?
Under electoral law, applications to register to vote or amend the register must be received by your local authority 15 days before polling day (excluding Sundays, Good Friday and Public Holidays). The deadline to register to vote in the bye-elections is Tuesday 5 May but you can register to vote or check your details at any time outside of an election period.
The easiest and quickest way to register is online at www.checktheregister.ie
However, you can also register by using the ERF 1 paper form. This is available on www.checktheregister.ie or from your local authority.
Voter registration is managed directly by each local authority. An Coimisiún Toghcháin does not manage voter registration.
The electoral register for the Dáil constituency of Galway West is managed by Galway City Council and Galway County Council as the constituency spans parts of both local authority areas.
The electoral register for Dublin Central is managed by Dublin City Council.
Checktheregister.ie has a full list of local authority postal addresses
How does the voting process work in a bye-election?
The voting process in a bye-election is the same as in a general election. There will be a number of candidates on the ballot paper for each constituency. When marking your ballot paper start with ‘1’ for your first preference/choice candidate, then ‘2’ for your second preference/choice candidate and so on. You can vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish. This is entirely up to you.
At the election count, the quota is calculated. The quota is the number of votes that a candidate must get to be elected. The counting of votes will take place in line with the rules for the counting of votes as set out in the Electoral Act, 1992
As usually happens at election counts, the number of first preference votes for each candidate will be counted. After this first count takes place, if no candidate reaches the quota, the candidate with the lowest number of first preferences will be excluded and the next preferences of those ballot papers will be distributed among the remaining candidates.
To ensure your vote is counted make sure you mark your preferences/choice as clearly as possible. If you do not want to fill out a preference for all candidates on the ballot paper, the box beside those you are not voting for should be left empty.
To make sure that your vote is not considered invalid, do not make any other mark on the ballot paper.
What is the deadline for the nomination of bye-election candidates?
After the Dail issues a writ instructing the Returning Officers to hold bye-elections, the Returning Officers will publish a ‘notice of election’ online informing people of the process and relevant date to nominate a candidate. These notices will be published by the Returning Officers on their websites – https://www.dublincityreturningofficer.com/ and https://galwayreturningofficer.com/ – and also in local media.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin does not have any direct role in organising elections or in receiving or ruling on the nomination of election candidates. These are matters for the Returning Officer in each constituency.
The latest date for putting a person forward as a candidate is 12 noon on the seventh day after the issue of the writs (legal orders) to the returning officers to hold an election. The deadline for nominations in these bye-elections is 12 noon Friday 1 May.
How to run as a candidate
-To run as a candidate for a political party, you have to go through the party’s selection procedure. (see link to Register of Political Parties)
-To run as an independent candidate, you can nominate yourself or be nominated by a Dáil elector (someone who is registered to vote in Dáil elections) for the constituency.
You also must be able to give the Returning Officer:
-A Certificate of Party Affiliation, or
-Statutory declarations signed by 30 constituents, or
-A deposit of €500
The process is managed by the Returning Officer for the constituency. The forms which must be completed are available from them or from the relevant local authority – links to contact details are available below. When a nomination form is submitted, the Returning Officer must rule on whether or not it is valid within one hour of receiving it.
Returning Officer websites:
Dublin Central
Galway West
Checktheregister.ie has a full list of local authority contact details
Can a candidate withdraw from the election?
A candidate can withdraw their nomination until 12 noon the day after nominations close. If a candidate withdraws after that date their name may still appear on the ballot paper as there is no legislative mechanism to remove someone’s name from the ballot paper so close to the polling day.
Are there any rules or eligibility criteria for becoming a TD?
To be able to run for election as a TD, you must:
Be an Irish citizen.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Be registered to vote (or entitled to be).
See also Who cannot become a TD?
Who cannot become a TD?
There are several circumstances that disqualify a person from becoming a TD. These are set out in Section 41 of the Electoral Act 1992 (Electoral Act, 1992).
You cannot be a TD if:
-You are not an Irish citizen
-You have not reached 21 years of age by polling day
-You are a holder certain positions including member of the judiciary, member of the Defence Forces, member of An Garda Síochána, Civil Servant, member of the European Commission
-You are undergoing a prison sentence which is greater than 6 months that was imposed by an Irish Court
3. Register of Electors Queries
How can I register to vote?
You must be on the Register of Electors to cast your vote. The fastest way to register to vote is online via www.checktheregister.ie or www.voter.ie (Dublin only).
If you are unable or do not wish to register online, you may also do so by filling out an ERF1 Form and posting it to your relevant local authority.
View the list of all local authority postal addresses.
How do I change my address/information on the register?
If you change your address or wish to update your details on the register, you may do so online via www.checktheregister.ie or www.voter.ie (Dublin only)
However, if you are;
– Moving from inside Dublin to any county outside of Dublin, or
– Moving from any county outside of Dublin to inside Dublin
you cannot update your details online and will have to do so through your local authority.
You may also change your address or update your details by filling out an ERF1 Form and posting it to your relevant local authority.
View the list of all local authority postal addresses.
Can I get a postal vote?
Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law.
These include:
– Members of An Garda Síochána
– Members of the Defence Forces
– Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/partners
– Those who are unable to vote in person at their local polling station because of an illness or disability
– Electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person on polling day
– Full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State
– Anonymous Electors or members of the household of the person whose safety would be at risk if their name and address were published on the register of electors
– Prisoners
The relevant forms to apply for a postal vote are available from Check the Register or your local authority. Please see local authority contact list.
Your completed form can be returned to your local authority at any time. However, in order to be eligible for a postal vote in Irish elections, your form must be received by your local authority before the deadline which will be announced in advance of an election.
Read more information about postal voting on our accessible voting page.
How do I vote by post?
Once you have submitted the relevant form and documentation, you will receive a set of voting documents comprising:
– ballot papers;
– receipt for the ballot papers;
– an envelope in which to put the marked ballot papers; and
– a larger envelope for sending back the voting documents to the relevant returning officer.
To vote:
– You mark a ‘1’ in the box beside your first choice candidate and, if you wish, a ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice candidate, a ‘3’ in the box beside your third choice candidate, and so on. For each ballot paper make sure you start with ‘1’ then ‘2’ then ‘3’ and so on.
– Put your marked ballot papers into the envelope marked “Ballot Paper Envelope” and seal it;
– Put this envelope together with the completed receipt for the ballot paper into the large envelope addressed to the returning officer, seal it and post it at once;
– The ballot paper must be posted and cannot be handed to the returning officer.
Can I apply to be registered as a Special Voter?
A person residing in a hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution, who has a disability or illness which prevents them from going to the polling station, can vote at the hospital, nursing home or similar facility if they apply to be included in the special voters’ list which is prepared and maintained by registration authorities (city and county councils) as part of the register of electors.
In the case of a first application, and whenever required by the registration authorities in the case of a subsequent application, it must be accompanied by a certificate from a registered medical practitioner (such as a GP).
If you wish to register as a special voter, you should do so by completing form SV1, which is available on www.checktheregister.ie or from your local authority. Please see local authority contact list.
Your completed form can be returned to your local authority at any time, but in order to be eligible for a special vote in Irish elections, your form must be received by your local authority before the deadline which will be announced in advance of an election.
The deadline for postal and special voting arrangements for the presidential election is Monday 29 September 2025.
How do I cast my vote if I am registered as a Special Voter?
At an election or referendum, you will be notified of the day and approximate time (am/pm) when a special presiding officer will call at the hospital, nursing home, mental health facility or similar institution.
The special presiding officer will carry evidence of identity and an appointment warrant which they will present to you for inspection on arrival. The special presiding officer will be accompanied by a Garda whose role is to guard the ballot papers (in the same way as in a polling station) and to act as an independent witness to ensure that the voting procedure is carried out properly.
Only the presiding officer and the Garda may be present when the vote is cast. The presiding officer will give you a declaration of identity which they will witness.
You will then mark the ballot paper in secret, place it in the special envelope provided, close the envelope and give it to the presiding officer.
If assistance in voting is required, it will be provided by the special presiding officer in the same way as at a polling station.
officer can apply special voting procedures such as issuing a postal vote to the special voters affected.
How can I contact my local authority?
How can I remove a family member from the Register of Electors?
In order to remove a family member from the register of electors you must complete a TPC1 Third Party Request to amend the register Form and post it to your local authority.
Use this form if you have reasonable grounds to believe that an entry on the register about another person is inaccurate (including, for example the death of a family member).
Your completed form can be returned to your local authority at any time.
A list of postal addresses of all local authorities can be found here: https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/contact
I cannot register online. Who can I contact next?
If you are unable to register online, you may do so by contacting your relevant local authority.
Please see the list of contact details and postal addresses for all local authorities.
A list of postal addresses of all local authorities can be found here: https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/contact
4. Election Literature Queries
My polling information card has not arrived. Can I still vote?
If you have not received your polling information card do not worry. You do not need your polling information card in order to vote. Bring a valid form of ID with you to your assigned polling station and if you are on the register you will be able to vote.
Your polling information card is prepared and issued by each relevant local authority. Work on the issuing of the polling information cards begins as soon as possible after the Polling Day Order is made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Deliveries via An Post are made in batches on a staggered basis until 3 days before polling day.
If you would like to check the location of your polling station you can do so by visiting www.checktheregister.ie or www.voter.ie (Dublin only). These sites will give you the location of your polling station on polling day and its opening and closing times.
If you are unable to find your updated details via the sites above, you can contact your local authority who will be a position to assist you.
Please see the list of contact details and postal addresses for all local authorities.
What are the rules for election posters? When can they be removed?
While An Coimisiún Toghcháin does not have regulatory powers in relation to posters or printed election materials, there are rules governing election posters and leaflets during an election campaign.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the regulations which say that:
– Election posters may not be displayed within 50 metres of a polling station on polling day;
– Posters must include the name and address of the printer.
While other poster related issues come within the scope of the Litter Pollution Acts, enforced through Local Authorities. Local authorities have powers to remove posters when it is in the public interest to do so.
– Election posters may only be erected after polling day has been fixed by ministerial order, and for a maximum of 30 days before polling day;
– Posters must be removed within 7 days after polling day;
– Posters can only be hung on poles with the permission of the pole owner;
– Posters should not cause any disruption to road users;
– Leaflets cannot be left under windscreen wipers.
If you believe an offence has been committed you can report it to An Garda Síochána.
View the contact details for all local authorities.
I have received a leaflet from a candidate. Is this allowed? How did they get my information?
Under Section 57 of the Electoral Act 1992, each candidate in a Dáil election is entitled to send, free of charge for postage, one postal communication to each person on the Register of Electors for the constituency they are running in. These leaflets are known as Litir um Thoghcháin. Under the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act, 2011, An Post is designated as the postal provider for Litir um Thoghcháin.
Postage is provided free of charge but candidates have to pay for the design and printing.
Your local authority will provide An Post with a copy of the up-to-date electoral register. An Post arranges the register to remove your first name and surname leaving just your address. This postal data is then supplied by An Post to selected printers who print and address the Litir um Thoghcháin on behalf of political parties and independent candidates.
Read more information regarding An Post’s role in printing and sending Litir um Thoghcháin.
Each candidate is entitled by law to send these leaflets.
5. Polling/Count Centre Queries
Where do I vote?
Your designated polling station will be on your polling information card. Your polling information card should be sent to you in the post before polling day. It will be sent to the address that you have registered on the Register of Electors.
If you do not receive a polling card, you can check your designated polling station at www.checktheregister.ie or by checking the relevant Returning Officer website for your constituency. You can only vote in your designated polling station.
How are polling stations selected?
The selection of polling stations is carried out by the local returning officers. If you have any questions regarding your polling station, you can contact your local authority who will be a position to assist you.
Read more information about postal voting on our accessible voting page.
Who will be present at my polling station?
Persons permitted to be present in a polling station on polling day include:
– the local returning officer, their representatives or messengers sent by or on their behalf;
– the presiding officer and Poll Clerk;
– the supervisory presiding officer (if one is appointed);
– any member of the Dáil for the constituency and any member of the Seanad;
– any personation agent appointed for your station,
electors attending to vote;
– a person acting as “companion” to an elector with a physical disability, visual impairment or literacy difficulty;
– Gardaí on duty;
– any person authorised by the local returning officer to be present at your polling station.
Can I apply to work at a polling station or count centre?
Employment of staff for electoral events, is the responsibility of the independent returning officer for each constituency. Returning officers are responsible for the running of Dáil, European Parliament and Presidential elections in a constituency. They are also responsible for the running of referendums.
The returning officers are the county registrar or, in Dublin and Cork, the city or county sheriff. You can contact the returning officer in your nearest constituency for information about how you can apply to work at the upcoming elections.
View the full list of Returning officers and their contact information.
My polling centre is not accessible. Who can I contact?
You can only vote at your assigned polling station. Polling stations are selected by the local returning officer and assigned based on your details on the Register of Electors. Under certain circumstances you may be able to request a change of polling station.
If you are a wheelchair user and/or have difficulties accessing your designated polling station, you can apply in writing to the returning officer of your constituency to vote at an alternative polling station. These applications must be received at least a week in advance of polling day.
If possible, you should suggest another polling station that is both accessible and convenient for you. If you are not familiar with other polling stations in your area, the Returning Officer will pick an alternative station for you. If you provide an explanation of why your current station is inaccessible to you it will help the returning officer to pick an alternative.
The Returning Officer will send you written authorisation to vote at another polling station. You should present this authorisation (along with the usual evidence of identity) when you go to vote. Once you have been assigned another polling station, you cannot vote at your local station.
View the full list of Returning officers and their contact information.
I would like to attend a count centre. Who do I contact to get access?
Access to count centres is managed by the returning officer for each constituency. If you would like to attend a count centre, please contact your relevant returning officer who will be in a position to assist you.
View the full list of returning officers and their contact information.
Why are pencils available at polling stations?
Pencils are available at all polling stations but you can bring your own pen or pencil if you wish.
Pencils are provided at all polling stations as:
– they last longer and do not dry out between electoral events;
– pencil lead cannot smudge onto other ballot papers;
– pencil lead will not smudge/leak if the ballot paper gets wet;
– if ink from a pen smudges or leaks onto another ballot paper this may cause that paper to be invalid.
Using pencils for voting is an international standard and not just used in Ireland. The UK, Australia, Canada and many other countries all use pencils to vote. However, you may bring and use your own pen.