Waterford Council encourages people to check voting register
Everyone is encouraged to make sure they are on the voting register to ensure their voice is heard. Stock image
National Voter Registration Day takes place on Thursday, April 30th and Waterford City and County Council, along with the country’s local authorities, is encouraging everyone to register to vote and check their details are complete.
This year’s national campaign theme is, 'Have your Say: How to engage with Public Representatives', and the overall aim is to highlight the role of public representatives and how political decisions affect all facets of daily life, such as housing, transport, healthcare and local services.
The public is encouraged to engage with public representatives to raise local and community concerns.
According to Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan the campaign is about shaping the future of our villages, towns and cities.
“It’s our democratic right to have our voices heard, however, for some this may be challenging or daunting," he said.
"However, as public representatives, my 31 colleagues and I, as Waterford councillors, have a duty to amplify those individual voices," he added.
Mayor Ryan said elected representatives in Waterford are open and accessible.
"I urge everyone, whether you’re registered to vote or not, to engage with your public representatives," he said.
"Because on the issues that shape your daily life, be they housing, climate, disability rights, transport, your voice matters when it comes to shaping your community," he added.
He also commented that the most powerful way for people to make their voice heard is how they use their vote.
Deputy Mayor Cllr. John Pratt reiterated the importance of civic engagement.
“Civic engagement is for everyone and when people engage, they play a big part in shaping the decisions that shape their communities," he said.
"I would ask the people of Waterford to get involved, ask questions, speak to your representatives and if you haven’t already registered to vote, now is the time to do so," he added.
Cllr Pratt outlined how the registration process is quick and easy to process but has "huge implications".
"It allows everyone who is eligible to vote to rightfully have a say in shaping Ireland’s future," he said.
Even people who are already registered to vote should check and either confirm or update their details by providing their PPSN, Eircode, date of birth, phone number and email address.
By confirming or updating information, adding those details allows local authorities to cross-check and confirm the information provided by each person, adding to the integrity of the process.
Those aged 16 and 17 will also be able to pre-register to vote on the site.
Once they turn 18, they will be automatically added to the register and there is also an option for those who live in nursing homes or healthcare institutions to be added to the special voters list, if due to a disability or illness, they are unable to go to a polling station to vote.
While changes and updates can be made by visiting www.checktheregister.ie, Waterford City and County Council’s Franchise team is available to help with any queries or provide assistance in registering or updating your information.
People can get in contact by email to franchise@waterfordcouncil.ie or by phoning 0818 102020 or call in person to Franchise services at City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.
