Poll: Should Ireland introduce compulsory voting?

Concerns have been raised about the low turnout in the by-elections last weekend.

By Dominic McGrath Monday 2 Dec 2019, 8:48 AM

Dec 2nd 2019, 8:48 AM 28,204 Views 103 Comments

https://jrnl.ie/4914261

Voter turnout was low at the by-elections on Friday.

Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Voter turnout was low at the by-elections on Friday.

Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

TURNOUT REACHED RECORD low levels in the by-elections this weekend, with few voters actually making it to the polls on Friday.

Turnout was lowest in Dublin Fingal, with only 25.6% of people voting. In Wexford, the constituency with the highest turnout of the four by-elections, turnout was 35.1%.

While turnout in by-elections is usually significantly lower than in general elections, the figures still prompted concern over the weekend.

Some blamed a wider dissatisfaction with politics, while others pointed to the proximity of a general election next year.

Blame was also pointed towards the cold weather and even the Late Late Toy Show.

Turnout in Irish general elections is generally low compared to the rest of western Europe, so today we want to know: Should voting be compulsory in Ireland?

Poll Results:

No (5303)

Yes (5190)

I don't know (314)

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Dominic McGrath

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Poll: Should Ireland introduce compulsory voting?