300,000 more voters on register than should be
03/07/2005 - 10:19:33The electoral register is thought to have 300,000 names than it should have. It is feared that up to a tenth of those receiving polling cards at election time are not entitled to vote.
Some 300,000 people are thought to be over-recorded, meaning they are being sent polling cards to two or more addresses. Some emigrants are also still receiving polling cards at home despite living abroad.
Local councils who are responsible for compiling the electoral register are being blamed for the oversight.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has hinted that An Post may be invited to operate a new national voter database.
