Registering to vote/updating your details on the Register of Electors
Many of the provision of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 13th October 2022. The Full Act can be viewed here:
The main effects are:
- Continuous registration – this means that the same process is in place all year around and your record can be updated at any time (up to 15 days before an electoral event).
- Use of PPSNs in the process – in addition to enabling quick and easy online registration at checktheregister.ie, the use of PPSNs will enable confirmation of applicant identity data checks to protect the integrity of the register. It will help local authorities to ensure that the register is accurate and that everyone is only registered once. The data sharing involved in the cross-check with the Department of Social Protection is provided for in the Act.
- Most people will no longer need to get their forms signed at the local Garda stations.
- People will be responsible for registering and maintaining their own information – registration authorities will continue to work with their communities to maintain and manage the register with a view to ensuring it is complete and accurate.
There are new application forms, online processes and requirements that must be met when applying to join the Register of Electors arising from the Act.
Want to Register to Vote?
Apply online at www.checktheregister.ie
You can do this if you:
- have your PPSN and Eircode
- are aged 18 or over and living in Ireland
- are aged 16 or 17 and want to pre-register
Already on the Register? Update your details now!
When updating your details an application form must be completed in the following circumstances:
- don’t have a PPSN
- want to update your citizenship
- want to apply for a special or postal vote
- want to make a third party request for a change to the register
For further information visit Check The Register
- ERF1 – Register to Vote or Update your Details
- ERF 2 - Register to vote or update details for people who have no address
- PV2 - Application for postal vote due to illness or disability
- PV4 - Application for postal vote due to work or study reasons
- PV7 - Application to be an anonymous elector
- PV8 - Application for Postal Vote for persons in the employment of a Returning Officer
- TPC 1 - Third party request to amend the register
Citizens residing in full time nursing homes, convalescence homes and religious institutions can register for a Special Vote.
You can register for a postal vote if you are:
- a member of the defence forces
- an Irish diplomat working abroad (and your partner / spouse with Irish citizenship)
- a member of An Garda Síochán
- working on the day of an election/ referendum and cannot attend your local polling station e.g. full time students studying away from home, polling staff or working away
- a person whose safety may be at risk if your details are published (this also applies to people who live with you) you can remain anonymous on the register
- unable to go to to a polling station to vote due to physical illness or disability
- detained in Prison
Postal Vote forms are available on request by emailing franchise@donegalcoco.ie
In addition to using the www.checktheregister.ie facility, members of the public can contact the Franchise Unit by telephone (074) 91 72273 or by email franchise@donegalcoco.ie