People in Waterford being charged for the right to vote
"That is a practice we should stop immediately."
Politicians in Waterford have called for fairer democratic practice when it comes to fees associated with medical certs for postal votes.
Currently, anyone who is voting by postal vote due to a medical condition can be charged a fee by a medical professional for confirmation that travelling to a polling station is not feasible.
Cllr Jason Murphy said effectively what is happening is "the most vulnerable people in our society are being charged for the right to vote in our democracy".
He added that he is aware of doctors across the city and county who are charging people for their letter of confirmation.
“People with disabilities are paying for their democratic right. That is a practice we should stop immediately."
Cllr Murphy’s comments were supported by Mayor of the city and county Cllr Seamus Ryan.
“I totally agree with you and now is the time to be raising that,” he said.
Ireland's electoral watchdog, An Coimisiún Toghcháin has previously voiced strong recommendation to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that a waiver of all fees associated with medical certification for postal votes come into effect before the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking earlier this year, Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin stated: “Ahead of presidential elections, and all future elections it is vital we take each poll as an opportunity to learn and improve upon voting processes and practices. We are pleased that there were some observable improvements at polling stations since our visits during previous electoral events in March and June.
“However it is simply unjustifiable that some voters should have to pay to get access to their vote."
