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WHEN WE GO to the polls in three weeks’ time we are not only selecting our representatives on the local council and for the European parliament, we are participating in what potentially could be the most inclusive elections to take place anywhere this year.
While a lot of people are unaware of this, the reality is that our local elections rank amongst the fairest internationally, with every legal resident of the country aged 18 and over entitled to take part.
At the Immigrant Council we have been approached by members of the public, canvassers and even candidates who do not know the rules.
The rule is simple: it does not matter where you were born or what citizenship you hold, if you live in Ireland you have a vote. The inclusive nature of our local elections are only equalled by our nearest neighbour, the UK. While some other EU states do allow foreigners to vote, the right is only given after a set period of residency, for example three years.
These are important days if you want to secure your voting entitlement. Local authorities across the country are about to conclude the supplement to the register of electors, to make sure of your vote it is vital that you go to www.checktheregister.ie to see that you are listed.
If you are not on the list, forms are available online, from local council offices and Garda stations to register – but the deadline to ensure your vote is 6 May.
By taking part you have a direct say in how your community is run, from the provision of public parks, to road repairs, to the delivery of essential emergency services such as the fire brigade.
In addition we are also voting to elect Ireland’s MEPs to represent us at the European Parliament, where issues such as worker and consumer rights, to a co-ordinated response to crime including human trafficking, are debated.
All EU citizens living in Ireland have a vote in this poll too, remember if you are one of the more than 60,000 people who became an Irish citizen since the last Euro election and are 18 or over then you too are included.
In partnership with Dublin City Council, Akidwa, the Africa Centre, Forum Polonia, the Integration Centre and regional partners such as Doras Luimní in Limerick and NASC in Cork we have been reaching out to people to ensure they are aware of their entitlements, being allowed to vote is a significant milestone for many who came from countries with a history of corruption, unrest and election fraud.
In addition to participation in the electoral process, we are also pleased to have been contacted by a number of candidates from a migrant background who are seeking to become leaders in their communities. They are from all parties as well as independents.
We welcome this development as a positive sign that Council chambers are starting to reflect the communities they serve.
However there is still a long way to go, when the dust settles and the newly-elected Councillors and MEPs are taking their seats the Immigrant Council of Ireland will begin a process of engagement with all the political parties to ensure greater participation in the forthcoming General Election.
The level of migrant representation in our national parliament is woefully inadequate given that it is now almost two decades since large scale immigration into Ireland commenced, 15 per cent of our current population was born in another country and they deserve a voice.
We look forward to that process of engagement, for now a final reminder: Secure your vote before 6 May by going to www.checktheregister.ie
Denise Charlton is Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland
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I can understand people being cynical about politics and politicians but it really is important to stand up and be counted and go out and vote
Every vote does count. Just ask Al Gore.
I’m annoyed that with all the technology that exist… A voter must dig deep to find out anything about most local politicians.
The posters holds no information other than name, party and position the candidate’s goal. No phone numbers, Web address or email address.
It should be the candidate’s role to educate us about himself and position. It shouldn’t be our job to have to search for information. Our job is to compare their information with what exists.
In essence, people are forced to vote for a person based on a smile, hair colour, family name, etc. No wonder we have so many twits running around calling themselves politicians.
Vote vote vote against the bad policies of the main parties. Enda and Eamon need to be reminded that the voter is king and not a nuisance that can be ignored or talked down to!
How do we vote to get rid of corrupt Co officials such as we have in CO Wicklow?
Pity local elections are of absolutely no consequence.
If u are paying tax u should be eligible to vote.
So what about the serial non workers?
What if you were working but then lost your job because of the same people who are asking you to vote?
Everyone pays tax
Small babies don’t pay tax.
Yes we have a say but unfortunately Phil Hogan got away with abolishing a tier of our local democracy with the help of both his on FG party who have a track record of being dictatorial and shockingly the Labour party.
Proinsias, ALL Irish parties have a history of acting dictatorial. That’s why we can never treat our votes carelessly. FG/Lab today, FF yesterday, SF tomorrow.
Waste of time voting in the local elections they’re over paid dail rejects sitting on the council and we don’t even elect the mayor who in cork is on 92k a year plus expenses plus a free car and driver. This is the same council who suspended road workers for using their initiative by filling in potholes they happened to come across on the way back from another job! It is also the same council who has brought cork suburbs to a standstill by putting in traffic lights in ridiculous places! But ya great everyone over 18 can vote to put these clowns in ‘power’..
Denise Charlton, thank you very much. I thought I am only aloud to pay property tax and quietly watch Enda Kenny & Co.
Fionn, voting is NEVER a waste. You start down that way of thinking, and before long you’re lost.
Digital and Social media has to be the way forward for the future. The whole country is covered in posters now!
FG election candidate Pearce Flannery is calling for an “outright ban on election posters”
https://www.facebook.com/GalwayAdvertiser/posts/10152382295046941
The rules should be changed to lax
What do you mean?
Michael and Jason are ye long lost twins? Ye’r the bulb off each other..
Good to see that the €100K+ CEO of a religious political charity that has direct affect over legislatiing Ireland allows the plebs to think that they have rights. Remember that FG’s Shatter spends our money to fund Mz Charlton’s salary. And no citizen can affect this clandesitine organisation.
How do for waterford council
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