Register of Electors

Since the implementation of the Electoral Act 2022, the Register of Electors is now a rolling document.

To vote in an election or referendum in Ireland, your name must be included on the Register of Electors for the address where you ordinarily reside. You can check or update your details online at www.checktheregister.ie or by contacting Galway County Council at electors@galwaycoco.ie

If you are a new applicant, you can now register to vote online OR If you are an existing elector, you are now being asked to update your details online by visiting: www.checktheregister.ie

Age - At what age can I register to vote?

Age: Every resident aged 18 years and upwards is entitled to be on the register. A person may register from the age of 16 years of age, however they will not be able to vote until they are 18.

Everyone over the age of 18 who is ordinarily resident in the State can register to vote. You will be registered at the address at which you are ‘ordinarily resident’. This is where you live.

Citizenship

Every adult resident in the state is entitled to be registered; their citizenship determines the type of elections they may vote in.

Voting Rights

We will ask you for your nationality in your application as this may affect which elections you can vote in.

• Irish - Irish Citizens: may vote at every election and Referendum
• British - British Citizens: may vote at Dáil and Local Elections
• British/EU Citizen: may vote at Dail, European and Local Elections
• EU – European Citizens may vote at European and Local Elections
• Non-EU - Non-European Citizens: may vote at Local Elections
• Potential EU – Potential European Citizens: may vote at Local Elections

Deadline for registering to vote

Your application must be received by the local authority at least 15 working days before an election or referendum (i.e. this excludes Sundays, Good Friday and Public Holidays).

If it is received on or after 14 days before an election or referendum is taking place, you will not be registered to vote in that particular election or referendum.

New legislation was introduced on 13th October 2022 requiring additional information to register to vote – this now includes the requirement for a PPSN, DOB and Eircode.  This was introduced to enhance the integrity of the register.

Registering to Vote

The easiest way to register is through the national portal: checktheregister.ie

The checktheregister website also allows you to make an application to:

• Register to vote
• Complete your existing record with your PPSN, date of birth, nationality and Eircode
• Make any changes to your name or address

Paper application forms are still needed for some requests. These applications generally require certification/witnessing or supporting documentation. 

Application Forms

The forms can be downloaded from the forms section of www.checktheregister.ie

Postal Voters

The categories of persons who can register as postal voters are:

• The Defence Forces
• An Garda Siochana
• Diplomats serving aboard
• Disabled voters living at home
• People who are unable to attend at their local polling station by reason of their occupation or education
• Prisoners
• Persons who are long term residents of a nursing home or similar institution can apply for inclusion on the Special Voters list
• Anonymous Electors

Return completed forms to: Register of Electors, Galway County Council, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway H91 H6KX

Privacy Statement