Sinn Féin Propose Major Changes To Electoral Process

Sinn Féin have published their proposed changes to Ireland's electoral registration process and the creation of the electoral commission.

The Sinn Féin electoral policy proposals are contained in two submissions made to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the issue.

Making the announcement, Senator Fintan Warfield, said: "In our submissions, we outline proposed changes to the electoral registration system in order to make the system more accurate and more accessible.

"Sinn Féin supports a rolling register and the provision of the option for online registration.

"The party also supports the view that a single national register database should be established.

"It is also important that proper access is provided to enable people to avail of postal, proxy, and early voting. The current system is extremely restrictive, and it is now the norm internationally to provide other methods for voters to cast their ballots in order to maximise participation.

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin, added: "It is hoped that the creation of an electoral commission will facilitate some or all of these registration changes.

"Sinn Féin believe that a permanent electoral commission be established. It should be done on an incremental basis over five years with the main regulatory functions, for example, the Register of Political Parties and the Referendum Commission transferred immediately.

"The Electoral Commission should also be used to collate data on voter turnout; currently no other body is mandated to collect this information.

"To complement this, Sinn Féin propose that a permanent election and referendum study should be established within the Electoral Commission. The work should mirror the work undertaken between 2002 and 2007 and each election and referendum should be studied."