Despite the looming uncertainties in the forthcoming election as mentioned by Harry McGee, a key consideration should be voters who are disenfranchised due to circumstances such as hospitalisation, residing in care homes, or a temporary absence from home due to work or study. The current voting system does not facilitate such individuals effectively.
There is no provision for proxy voting, and for postal voting, applications must be received two days post the termination of the Dáil, presenting quite a challenge. Data from 2022 Census reveal that there were 15,273 hospitalised individuals, 24,527 in nursing homes and 4,718 in residential facilities, figures that have presumably escalated in two years. Even though their primary concern may not be voting in dire situations, it doesn’t excuse the State from making it easier for them to cast their vote.
So how can we enhance this situation? The commission should ensure that the populace, including the individuals affected, are well-informed about the registration laws for voting and the procedure for postal voting. Secondly, the commission could weigh the possibility of granting proxy voting rights to persons indisposed or temporarily absent from home, to align with the standards in Northern Ireland.
Lastly, the commission might reflect on modifying the final date for receipt of postal votes and/or the potential to process applications online- a courtesy extended by the state to its populace.
Best regards,
Declan O’Donovan,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.