Mandate members urged to check the register and prepare to vote
Tuesday 20 October 2015There are approximately 300,000 people in Ireland who are not registered to vote. Almost 40% of them are young people under the age of 25. With an election less than six months away, it’s vital that everyone has a say in how their country is run.
That’s why Mandate Trade Union is supporting National Voter Registration Week which is being hosted by Right2Change.
Ireland is now one of the most unequal countries in Europe. The victims of austerity are many; but it has been lower and middle income families who have borne the brunt of the economic crisis with those at the very top protected.
There’s a wide difference in turnout rates across Ireland. For instance, parts of Sandymount and Donnybrook (which are relatively affluent areas in Dublin) have voter turnout rates of 87%, while parts of Finglas (a working class area in Dublin) have turnout rates of 37%. It’s not difficult to see who politicians think are the easy targets.
A high voter turnout rate from all communities is essential if we are to achieve real change in Ireland, including defeating unfair water charges.
Make sure you and your family are not the target of more austerity after the next election.
You can take action now:
1. We’re asking people to check the register and make sure they’re listed to vote.
2. To add yourself to the Register of electors please click here.
3. If you’ve changed address you need to fill in the RFA3 form which is available here.
