Voting in a referendum in Ireland
Information
If you are listed on the Register of Electors in Ireland, a polling card will be sent to your home before the referendum date. Your polling card will include your elector number and will tell you where you can vote. It will also include a formal statement explaining what the referendum is about.
If you want to see a full copy of the bill containing the proposal to amend the Constitution, you can do so at post offices and other public buildings. You may also receive information about the referendum from the Referendum Commission.
On the day of the referendum, you must go to the polling station stated on your polling card. There will be information available at the polling station explaining what the referendum is about. You will be given a ballot paper.
Voting is by secret ballot. Your ballot paper will contain short instructions on how to vote and will show the title of bill proposing to amend the Constitution. Your ballot paper will ask you whether you approve of the passing of the bill. You must mark "X" in either the "yes" or the "no" box on your ballot paper. You may fold your ballot paper to hide how you voted and place it in a sealed ballot box. You may only vote once at a referendum.
When all the votes are tallied, the referendum returning officer will announce the referendum result.
Rules
Who can vote?
- You must be an Irish citizen.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your name must be on the Register of Electors.
If you are an Irish citizen living abroad you cannot be entered on the Register of electors. This means that you cannot vote in an election or referendum here in Ireland. (The only exception to this is Irish diplomats (and their spouses) on duty abroad who may cast their vote by post).
Personal identification
You must bring a valid form of personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, with you when you go to vote.
Rates
There is no fee for inspecting the bill containing the proposal to amend the Constitution.
Language
Related Documents
- Voting Procedure in a General Election
This document describes voting procedures in a general election in Ireland. - Facilities for Voters with Disabilities
Procedures in place nationally, that help disabled people in Ireland to vote. - Referendum result in Ireland
Information on how the results of a referendum in Ireland are determined.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.