As the 2024 local and European elections conclude, ballots are being compiled for the inaugural directly-elected mayor of Limerick.
With over 6,500 polling locations closing up at 22:00, the Saturday 09:00 tally and sort of the votes awaits.
Indications from Friday evening predicted voter attendance to be near the 50% mark seen in the 2019 elections.
While certain areas observed a sluggish start, voting picked up throughout the day. In Co Cork, the participation at 17:00 was reported to be 26.8% for both the local and European elections. This figure is slightly lower than the 27.2% participation witnessed at the same time during the 2019 elections for the county. The polling stations in the county reported participation levels between 21% to 34%, with the majority falling between 24% to 29%.
There are over 2,100 contenders vying for 949 council seats across 31 local authorities. Before 07:15, Taoiseach Simon Harris cast his vote at his local polling station at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow.
The Local and European elections for 2024 saw voting in numerous locations including Dublin, MNW, Ireland South through the EU&I Voter App, and also for the Limerick Mayor. Local voting took place across various parts such as Cork City, Cork County, South Dublin and Wicklow amongst others.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach accentuated on the significance of casting votes, making one’s voice heard by way of voting, “It is of utmost importance that individuals exercise their right to vote.”
Undeniably, failing to participate in the voting process gives others the authority to make decisions on your behalf. Therefore, I would encourage everyone to go out and cast their ballot as polling stations are open until 10pm today, a true testament to the healthy democracy we live in.
A record-breaking number of extreme right-wing candidates are vying for positions in local councils and the European Parliament. However, the possibility of a significant number being elected is uncertain, even amidst expectations of a far-right surge in Europe. The reigning Coalition’s parties have attempted to counter this threat by adopting stricter stances and policies against migrants and refuge seekers. The prospect of the far-right has been further diminished by an excess of candidates, resulting in the division of their votes.
During the European elections, constituents from the Midlands North-West will have a ballot paper as long as 73cm with the names of 27 candidates. Similarly, 23 candidates are competing for votes in both Dublin and South Ireland. Despite the large pool of candidates, only 14 MEPs will be selected to represent Ireland in the European Parliament.
The counting process for the local elections will commence on Saturday, followed by the European elections on Sunday. Limerick voters will be provided with an additional third ballot paper to vote for a mayor who will lead a council responsible for rendering services to nearly 210,000 citizens spread across the city and county areas. The vote counting process for the Limerick mayorship race, however, is not predicted to start until the 10th of June.
Voting day is expected to be largely dry, with sunny periods in the east, but sporadic rainy intervals and drizzle in the northwest. There would be mild, dry weather in the southeast with minor rainfall anticipated in the southern counties.
The position of the mayor comes with a yearly salary slightly over €154,000, in addition to a support staff of five and an annual budget of €8 million for mayor-led projects and initiatives. The mayor will have major decision-making power, such as proposing the yearly budget for Limerick City and County Council. However, this proposal is contingent upon the approval of the councillors. The incoming mayor will also present a five-year local development plan and enjoy the privilege of holding a fixed number of meetings annually with Cabinet Ministers.
Irish nationals have the right to cast their ballots in both European and municipal elections. Non-Irish citizens can also partake in local elections provided they are 18 years of age or older, reside within the specific local electing district, and are recorded on the electoral register.
Being listed on the electoral register is an absolute requirement for voting. Voters might need to present some form of identification like a passport, driver’s licence, or student identification card at the voting venues.
Election Pulse: Elections heat up with the approaching voting day
[Essential information for participating in the elections]
While the outcomes of the local elections are generally available by the weekend’s close, the final results for the European elections and the mayoral contest in Limerick could take multiple days, possibly even longer, to be finalised. Additional news coverage – PA.