Laois councillor wants all voters over 18 to be registered automatically

A Laois county councillor wants all citizens put automatically on the voting register after they turn 18. 

Independent Cllr Tommy Mulligan who was easily elected for his first run out in the 2024 Local Elections, believes that more young people would vote if they didn't have to register well in advance of elections.

He tabled a motion to the January meeting of Laois County Council, that the Department of Housing and Local Government be asked to place citizens on the electoral register when they reach their 18th birthday.

"Turnout is really poor. this needs to be addressed at Government level. We've got to get the conversation going about voting and turnout, whereby an electorate is educated about voting.

"I believe that a lot of young people only decide to vote in the days or weeks before, and then they are not registered. The first step is to remove the obstacle," he said.

There were some concerns expressed over consent however.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said while she agrees with the sentiment, she does not agree that the registration should be automatic, without permission given.

"I know people who went out of their way to remove their name, for whatever reason. New forms you get look for the PPS, date of birth, that's very personal information, I don't think you can put that on a system without permission.

"The PPS number could be used instead of posting cards to addresses, people could have moved five or six times. We should do our best to encourage people to go out and vote but I wouldn't be comfortable with automatic registration, unless they are contacted for consent. I don't know either who would pick up that workload," she said.

Labour Cllr Marie Touhy seconded the motion.

"It's logical. As Tommy said, they don't think about voting until it's too late," she said.

Newly co-opted Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy said "voting should be compulsory".

"There should also be a box at the bottom of the ballot paper saying 'none of the above'," he added. 

Fine Gael Cllr John King said he agrees with the concept.

"A lot won't even bother. You have to give them a reason, to get funding, to raise issues in the Dáil. This has to be addressed. Schools have to do their part as well. Young people don't take this as seriously as we do," he said.

The letter will be sent with Cllr Mulligans request to the Government.