LIMERICK Labour Party councillor Joe Leddin has welcomed an overhaul of the Electoral Register that allows voters to register or amend their details online.
The new online process, available at checktheregister.ie, enables first time voters to register easily once they have a valid PPSN and Eircode.
It also allows those who have moved address or whose personal details have changed to amend their records again online without the need to sign forms and post them.
“For many years, despite advances in technology, those looking to either register for the first time and or change their details if moving address, had to complete forms manually and post back to their relevant local authority,” Cllr Leddin said.
The new online system also enables young people aged 16 and 17 to pre-register while those with specific disabilities can also apply online for a postal ballot.
Cllr Leddin is now hopeful that the new requirements will help improve the accuracy of the electoral register and eliminate voter fraud with dubious names being registered in properties with no valid proof of address being required.
“In recent years, many public services have facilitated those looking to avail of an online service such as passport renewals. This new online service is not before time and again will hopefully increase voter participation in a democratic manner at various elections leading to higher voter turnouts,” he concluded.
