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Compilation Of Register Of Electors
The Council is responsible for the compilation of the Register of Electors (voting register) for County Galway (excluding city area). The Register comes into force on 15th February each year, and persons aged 18 years or over on that date, who are otherwise qualified can register to vote. The address at which a person is registered will be that at which he/she resides on the 1st September, preceding publication. Irish citizens have the right to vote in all elections, but non citizens will have this right limited to certain types of election only, depending on nationality. A person can register at one address only.
People who are unable to attend at their local polling station because of their occupation, service or employment can apply for postal votes, e.g. students, diplomats, gardai, army personnel, fishermen, airline pilots, company representatives. Persons who have a physical illness or physical disability, and who wish to vote by post from their own home, can also apply to go on the postal voters list. Persons who have a physical illness or physical disability, and who are ordinarily resident in a hospital, home or similar institution, can apply for inclusion on the special voters list, whereby the ballot paper is delivered to them at election time.
Draft Register
A draft register is published by the 1st November each year, and is made available at all Council offices, and also at libraries and post offices in the County, and the public are invited to check that they are properly registered. Persons can apply to make changes (claims) before the final register is printed. The last day for receipt of such claims is 25th November. Revision Claim Courts are held during December throughout the County to adjudicate on claims/submissions received, and are presided over by the County Registrar, who rules on the submissions made. Notices of such Courts are advertised in the local newspapers, and persons may attend these Courts if they so wish.
Supplement to the Register
When the date for an election/referendum is known, a supplementary register is prepared. This allows for people who are entitled to be included in the Register to apply for inclusion up to 14 days before Polling Day.
