Election 2024: Serious error on Limerick City ballot paper could see outcome challenged
Elisa O’Donovan of the Social Democrats, one of three candidates whose names apparently appeared lower on Limerick City ballots than they should have. Picture: Press 22
A serious error appears to have been made on the Limerick City ballot paper putting candidates in the wrong order, which could see the eventual outcome challenged.
Members of the public casting their votes in the four-seat constituency have been given a ballot paper, which does not feature all candidates in alphabetical order.
Electoral law dictates that candidates must be listed in alphabetical order based on surnames.
However, it appears that Sinn Féin’s Maurice Quinlivan and Dean Quinn of The Irish People party have been placed ahead of long-standing Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea, Fine Gael's Kieran O'Donnell, and Elisa O’Donovan of the Social Democrats on the paper.
This could open up the possibility of a challenge, especially if the numbers are tight when the ballot boxes are opened and counting begins.
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The issue was first reported by the .
A number of candidates in the race confirmed that they were aware of the mistake.
"There is obviously an administrative error," said Social Democrats candidate Elisa O'Donovan when contacted.
She said she noticed the mistake immediately when she went to vote herself earlier today.
"It is what it is now, I have ran a good campaign I know people who were going to vote for me will find me on the ballot paper."
But she added: "This is a big error."
The Limerick City returning officer has been contacted for comment.
