ieExplains: How homeless people can vote in the June elections
Those without a permanent address can still receive a polling card and be registered within a constituency thanks to a free service from An Post — Address Point. File photo
Posters are hanging on every lamppost so that means we are just weeks away from election time.
It also means that the deadline draws near for people to ensure that they — and all of their correct information — are on the Register of Electors.
The deadline to register or change details in order to be able to vote in the June 7 local and European elections is Monday, .
There are members of the public who may not be aware that they are eligible to vote in elections or do not know how they should go about registering.
People who are currently homeless or are living in temporary accommodation can register to vote.
Those without a permanent address can still receive a polling card and be registered within a constituency thanks to a free service from An Post — Address Point.
To register, a person must first be eligible to vote (see here). They can visit AnPost.ie/AddressPoint where they will be asked to provide their first, middle and surname and to select a county.
Once you select a county, a dropdown menu will appear listing the post offices located in that county, choose the one in the area where you spend the majority of your time.
A generated address will appear — take note of this and/or take a screenshot.
The user can then go to CheckTheRegister.ie, where they will be asked to provide a valid PPS number, an email address and an Eircode.
The Eircode received from AddressPoint should be entered here. If the full address is required, use the details from the generated AddressPoint address for the first line that reads 'Capel Place'.
Members of An Post are available to assist those looking to avail of this service which is provided in a practical, dignified, and private manner.
If you do not or cannot provide a valid PPS number, then the person will need to get paper forms to fill out. Focus Ireland is available to help people get and fill out these forms.
Any person who is over the age of 18 and ordinarily resident in the State is entitled to register on the Register of Electors. You must be on the Register of Electors to vote in a local election.
EU citizens who are living in Ireland can vote in both European and local elections.
If you were not registered to vote in previous European elections in Ireland, you must complete a declaration on form EP1. This is available from your local authority or can be downloaded here.
On its submission, the local authority will send the information to your country of nationality. This is required to guard against double voting.
Those living in Ireland who are not Irish citizens are eligible to vote in local elections.
You have the right to vote regardless of what type of residence you hold, or if you are seeking asylum and have not had a decision on your application.
You can find further details on who can vote and how to check the register here.
