Private Members’ Bill proposes to fix polling hours from 7:00am to 10:00pm in statute, greatly benefitting County Wicklow and contributing to overall political reform
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has published legislation to set hours of polling in primary legislation from 7:00am to 10:00pm. At present, hours of polling vary between each election, causing much confusion and thus resulting in potential lower turnouts. Deputy Doyle said this Private Members’ Bill will positively contribute to this Government’s agenda of political reform.
Speaking after the publication of his Bill, Deputy Doyle said, “Under current law, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government of the day sets hours of polling for all elections at his or her discretion, subject to electoral law. There is no current provision for set or fixed hours of polling at Irish elections, which is out of kilter with other EU member states.”
“Voter participation in all aspects of the democratic process is critically important for our democracy. As such, everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in the election process. Increasing and maintaining voting hours has a positive influence on the electorate on polling days, particularly in the wider commuter belt, including many people in County Wicklow.”
“Since 2008, a trend emerged up to 2012 that voting for all elections and referenda were held between 7:00am and 10:00pm. This trend has had a positive impact on the level of turnout, particularly in commuter counties, such as Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath and Louth.”
“However, for the Children’s Referendum in October 2012 and the Meath-East Bye-Election in 2013, hours of polling were reduced. Unfortunately for many people living in these areas, the most convenient time to vote is either early in the morning before travelling to work or indeed late in the evening, on their way home. This move possibly reduced many peoples opportunity to cast their ballot.”
“Changing hours of polling from election to election as is currently permitted can create voter confusion and possibly result in lower turnouts. As a result, there are inherent problems with the current system of polling hours selection. This Bill that I have introduced removes Ministerial discretion and instead places hours of polling on a statutory footing. It also endeavours to maintain turnout and allow maximum hours of polling at each voting opportunity for citizens.”
“The desire for political reform has never been more in demand, and this Government have taken numerous steps to debate to reform and improve our political system. I believe this Bill that I have published will positively contribute to this reform agenda. It is a voter facilitation measure and will provide for fixed hours of polling for all elections and referenda between 7:00am and 10:00pm.”
“I am hopeful this Bill will be accepted by Government when it gets to be debated in the Dáil”, concluded Deputy Doyle.
The Bill can be downloaded here and the Explanatory Memorandum here. A research note from the Oireachtas is available here.