The Special Voters List
Under the Electoral Act, 1992, amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 1996, an elector with a physical illness or disability who is ordinarily resident in a hospital, nursing home or institution, may apply to his/her local registration authority to be included in the special voters list. At an election or referendum, a ballot paper will be delivered to each person on this list by an appointed presiding officer accompanied by a member of the Garda Síochána. Having made a declaration of identity, the elector will mark his/her ballot paper in secret and place it in a sealed envelope which the appointed presiding officer will convey to the returning officer for the constituency. The returning officer will deal with it in the same manner as he/she deals with ballot papers returned by postal voters.
- Who can apply?
- Who fills out the application?
- Where do I send the application form?
- What happens next?
- Note
- Application Form
Who can apply?
You may apply for inclusion in the special voters list if you are a long-stay patient in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution and you are unable to go in person to vote at a polling station by reason of a physical illness or a physical disability which is likely to continue for the duration of the register of electors in respect of which the application is made.
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. The applicant must re-apply for a special vote each year and return Part A of the application form to the Registration Authority on or before the 25th November. Applications to be entered on the special voters list must be made by 25th November and in the case of a first application must be accompanied by a medical certificate. Electors on the Special Voters List vote by marking a ballot paper delivered to them by an appointed Presiding Officer accompanied by a member of the Garda Síochána.
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 special 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 special voters list in the name of another person or knowingly to give false or misleading information in relation to an application.
Form SV1 Application for entry in the Special Voters List [PDF, 24KB]