Progress to allow same day voting on islands 

A MEMORANDUM to government in relation to the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2018, which provides for same day voting on islands, will be moved by March 29.

The Bill was introduced to the Dáil by Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív. For it to proceed further, the government will have to decide whether to provide a money message for the Bill.

Deputy Ó Cuív explained: “Having raised this matter with the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform I understand it is hoped a memorandum to government will be moved by Friday, March 29, in relation to the money message, which provides for same day voting on the islands.

“Furthermore, there have been discussions going on between the department and me in relation to possible amendments to the Bill, that were mentioned in the Second Stage of the Bill by Minister Coveney, who was then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and which were also recommended by the Oireachtas Committee, which scrutinised the Bill.

“I look forward to the government’s consideration of the Bill. I would hope that they would take a favourable attitude towards it and see that same day voting is not only possible, but a basic right for islanders in the area in which we are living.

“I will continue to keep an eye on this matter and press that the Bill would be brought into law before the European and local elections, due to take place at the end of May.”