The Postal Voters List
Under the Electoral Act, 1992, amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 1996, an elector with a physical illness or disability who is living at home may apply to his/her local registration authority to be included in the postal voters list. An elector in this category is not eligible for entry in the special voters list. An elector whose name is entered in the postal voters list may vote only by post at an election or a referendum.
- Who can apply?
- Who fills out the application?
- Where do I send the application form?
- What happens next?
- Note
- Application Form
Who can apply?
The following categories of persons can be registered as postal voters:
- Electors with a physical illness or disability who are living at home - Form PV1 [PDF, 18KB]
- Electors who are unable to vote at their polling station due to circumstances of occupation etc., employees and students etc. Form PV2 [PDF, 30KB]
- Whole-time members of the Defence Forces members who live in military barracks may be registered either at the barracks or at their home address - Form RFC [PDF, 72KB]
- Irish diplomats posted abroad and their spouses - they are registered at their home address in Ireland
Members of the Garda Síochána have the option of being registered as ordinary electors or as postal voters. In either case, they are registered at their home address or where they are stationed as being ordinarily resident. An elector registered as a postal voter may vote by post only and may not vote at a polling station - Form RFB [PDF, 73KB]
Who fills out the application?
The application is divided into two parts. The applicant must complete Part A of the form. In the case of a first application, Part B of the form must be completed by a doctor. Part B must also be completed in the case of a second or subsequent application, if required by the registration authority. It is necessary to re-apply for a postal vote each year by completing Section A of the application form and returning it to the Registration Authority before the 25th November of that year.
Where do I send the application form?
Completed application forms must reach your registration authority not later than the 25th November. A stamp is required if you send the form by post. If you live in the city of Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick or Waterford, send or deliver the form to the City or Town Hall. Otherwise send or deliver it to County Council, Bindon Court, Ennis.
What happens next?
You will be notified by the registration authority of the decision on your application and, if it is refused, you will be given the reasons for the refusal.
Please Note that:
- your application cannot be processed for the postal voters list which will come into force on 15 February next if not received by 25th November
- your application will be deemed to be withdrawn if you fail to furnish any additional information or documents required by the registration authority within the period specified by the authority
- it is an offence to apply for entry in the postal voters list in the name of another person or knowingly to give false or misleading information in relation to an application.
Form PV1 Application for entry in the Postal Voters List by persons with a Physical Illness or Physical Disability [PDF, 18KB]