Can I vote in the referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment?

In a number of weeks, Irish people will go to the polls to vote in a referendum on removing the 8th Amendment from our constitution. This is an issue that a lot of people have an opinion on, and many people want the opportunity to use their voice by voting on the day.

If you want to have a say in this referendum, it’s important to make sure you are registered before 8 May 2018. Even if you have voted before, take some time to check the register – sometimes you can be removed, and you don’t want to find out this has happened to you on polling day. Visit checktheregister.ie and enter your details.

If you’re not on the register, then now is the time to get yourself registered to vote.

Am I eligible to vote in this referendum?

You are eligible to vote in a referendum in Ireland if you are:

• 18 years of age on or before the date of the referendum (May 25th)
• An Irish citizen

While there are certain types of elections in which residents who are non-Irish citizens can vote, this is not the case for the referendum. You must be an Irish citizen in order to vote in this referendum. 

I’m not 18 yet but I will be on polling day. Can I still register?

Yes, you can still apply for the supplementary register so long as you will be 18 years of age by 25 May 2018. Follow these instructions to apply for the supplementary register.

Applying for the supplementary register

To get on the supplement of the register, you need to fill out the RFA2 form. You can also get this form in your post office, public library, or local authority. If you are a student, your student union can provide the form.

Follow these steps to apply for the supplementary register:

• Fill out form RFA2
• Get the form signed by a member of the Gardaí. Make sure to bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
• Post the form or bring it to your local authority, county council, or city council – you can find the details and address of your local authority, county council, or city council here. 
• It is your responsibility to make sure it arrives on time so deliver by hand rather than post if you are submitting it close to the deadline.

The form must be received by your local authority by Tuesday, 8 May 2018.

I won’t be in my home constituency on polling day. Can I apply for a postal vote?

The deadline for registering for a postal cote was Saturday, 28 April 2018. Since this date has passed, it is not possible to register for a postal vote now. 

If you want to vote in the referendum, you will need to travel to the polling station where you are registered.

Learn more about the postal vote here.

I'm on the register but I have a different address now. Can I change it?

If you want to change your address so that you can vote at a polling station closer to where you now live, you can fill out form RFA3. This form must received by your local authority by May 8.

What is the special voters list?

You can apply for this list if you are living in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution. To apply for this list, fill out the SVS1 form. Deadline for applying for the Special Voters List: Saturday 28 April 2018.

Find out more about registering to vote here.