{"id":888,"date":"2020-02-07T11:52:19","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T11:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.socialdemocrats.ie\/how-to-vote-in-ireland\/"},"modified":"2023-09-14T15:35:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T14:35:24","slug":"how-to-vote-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.socialdemocrats.ie\/ga\/how-to-vote-in-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"How to vote: A Guide for First-Timers and Those Who Just Forgot"},"content":{"rendered":"

What you need to know to vote in General Election 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

With Election 2020 happening this week, it\u2019s easy to get lost in the election debate and forget the simple things, like how to actually cast your vote. We\u2019re one of the only countries in the world that uses the <\/span>PR-STV voting system<\/span><\/a>, so there\u2019s no shame in having a question or two. Here\u2019s our quick guide to voting to help make sure you get listened to this election.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 1: Get your ballot card \/ ID in order<\/b><\/p>\n

You should receive your ballot card in the mail this week. Make sure to hold onto it until polling day. If you didn\u2019t receive it, <\/span>don\u2019t panic<\/b>. As long as you\u2019re registered, you can check your allocated local station <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> and turn up on the day with an ID, such as a passport or driving license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 2: Get to the polling station on time, with what you need<\/b><\/p>\n

Most polling stations are open on Saturday from <\/span>7am until 10 pm<\/b>, but check your polling card to be 100% sure. Turn-out is expected to be high, so you can avoid queues by going before 5pm when many people vote on their way home from work. Make sure to bring your polling card if you have one, and a valid ID.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once at your polling station, your ID might be checked and you will be given your ballot paper. Make your way to the voting booth and grab a pencil. It\u2019s time to do this.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Voting day<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is the important part. With your polling card, <\/span>vote in order of preference for each candidate.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You place a \u20181\u2019 next to the candidate you\u2019d most like to see elected, followed by a \u20182\u2019 next to your second favourite candidate if you\u2019d like, and so on as you see fit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no limit to how many candidates you give a preference to, but it\u2019s important to use each number just once to avoid confusion.\u00a0 Once you\u2019re happy with your vote, you fold the paper slip and drop it into the ballot box. Job done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Caption: In this sample, the voter has (wisely) given their number 1 vote to the Social Democrats candidate. If that candidate is eliminated first in the count, this person’s vote then goes to John Doe. You don\u2019t have to place a preference next to every candidate, so this voter left the other candidate blank, and their vote won\u2019t help that candidate get elected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

But why vote for more than one candidate?<\/b><\/p>\n

You get more of a say by giving preference to more than one candidate. If your first preference doesn\u2019t get enough votes to get elected, your second preference might be allocated your vote. It\u2019s not necessary to place any votes out than your number \u20181\u2019 in order to vote though.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: The count<\/b><\/p>\n

Okay, your work is done but the election process still has a way to go though. After voting is finished, all votes are brought to your local count centre to be counted. This process is done manually, and can take a day or more. It’s all very<\/span> interesting, if you’re into that sort of thing. Really though, it\u2019s time to sit back and watch the results come in. Good job on voting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to know more?<\/b><\/p>\n

Here are some links to further info on our voting system. Enjoy!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our voting system<\/span><\/a> – spunout.ie<\/span><\/p>\n

Voting<\/span><\/a> – citizensinformation.ie<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What you need to know to vote in General Election 2020 With Election 2020 happening this week, it\u2019s easy to get lost in the election debate and forget the simple things, like how to actually cast your vote. 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