Voters urged to check registration ahead of bye-elections

An Coimisiún Toghcháin has urged voters in Galway West and Dublin Central to check the register and ensure they are eligible to vote in the upcoming bye-elections.

Today is the last day for new voters to register, while existing voters are encouraged to check that their details are correct.

The bye-elections are due to take place in the two constituencies on 22 May.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin's Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Brian Dawson, said that it is a constant process of checking and double checking the register.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that human error can occur and that it is better to be prepared than surprised on polling day.

"If you have your details, your PPS number, your Eircode, your date of birth, we found it takes less than three minutes for people to get themselves on the register," he said.

"But I suppose alongside new voters, what we're really encouraging people to do is to check that your details are up to date.

"So maybe you've changed address, maybe your citizenship has changed.

"It's really important to take less than five minutes today go on check your details are correct," he said.

Members of the public can check to see if they are registered to vote or edit their existing information (such as address) on checktheregister.ie

Voters who are already registered but are unable to find their details online should contact the franchise section of the relevant local authority.

The bye-election in Dublin Central is to fill the vacancy created by the departure of the former finance minister Paschal Donohoe.

The second vacancy in Galway West arises from Catherine Connolly's election as President of Ireland last year.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin is visiting schools in An Cheathrú Rua and Carna to register new voters. A registration pop-up shop will also be in Eyre Square in Galway City.

Dublin Central constituency profile
Galway West constituency profile