Register to vote

Voting gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life and the future of Ireland. Your vote is your voice, if you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you.

To have your say on important issues by voting, you must be on the electoral register.

It is easy to register to vote or to check that your details are accurate and up to date. You can do this by visiting: www.checktheregister.ie

If you need to update any of your personal details or change your address on the register the quickest way to do this is via www.checktheregister.ie

If you are unable to update your details or change your address using checktheregister.ie you should contact your local authority. They will be able to update your details using an ERF1 Form

Please be aware if you are;

• Moving from Dublin to any county outside of Dublin; or
• Moving to Dublin from any county outside of Dublin,

you can only update your details or change your address using the ERF1 Form. You cannot use www.checktheregister.ie. You can fill out this form and send to your relevant local authority who will process your application to update your details. 

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.

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.