COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 14, 2010

MOTION NO.7

MOTION: Councillor D. Looney

That this Council supports the introduction of an online voter registration system on our website in order to improve ease of registration and facilitate the democratic franchise amongst our citizens.

REPORT:

The Registration of Electors is governed by the Electoral Act 1992 and South Dublin County Council prepares the annual Register of Electors in accordance with prescribed procedure as outlined in the "Preparing and Maintaining the Register of Electors guidance for Registration Authorities" published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

 The Council’s website currently allows Electors to check if they are registered to vote www.sdcc.ie and a national website also exists  www.checktheregister.ie. through which electors can make on-line queries to establish iof they are resistered.   The Council's website also facilitates downloading of the necessary application form (RFA 1) which is forwarded to the Council when completed. There is also a dedicated email address registerofelectors@sdublincoco.ie for residents who wish to send queries to our Franchise Section.

South Dublin County Council is a progressive Local Authority and would support the introduction of an online registration system.   However, any changes to current practises would require guidance from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, and would involve research and discussion between the Council’s IT Department and the Local Government Computer Services Board.   It is also envisaged that any introduction of a web based registration system by the Department of the Environment would be on a nationwide basis.