Polling stations report historic voter turnout

Turnout for voting in today's referendums is heading for historic levels.

Polling stations report historic voter turnout

Turnout for voting in today's referendums is heading for historic levels.

The figures so far show a strong turnout in Dublin with some areas reaching over 50%. Estimated turnout results released so far indicate turnout at 46% in Dublin North West, 66% in Dublin North Central, 67% in Dublin North East, 56.4% in Dublin South Central, 46.2% in Dublin South East and 39% in Dublin Central.

Two polling stations in Cork South Central are reporting over 60% turnout. Crosshaven are estimating turnout at 60% and Carrigaline is reporting an estimated figure of 64%.

Barbara Goggin who worked at the Crosshaven polling station said that the figures were looking very good.

"Turnout for referendums is usually in the mid 40s, and it reaches up to about 50% for local and general elections. The highest turnout figure that we have seen in this polling station in the last 15 years for any election was 55%.," said Ms Goggin.

Approximately 66,000 people throughout the country availed of the supplementary register which may have significantly contributed to the high turnout levels. The supplementary register allows those who are qualified to vote but missed the deadline, to have their name included on the register for the year.

Turnout across the country is well ahead of previous referendums with polling stations estimating a turnout of between 50 - 60%.

If that is the case, close to two million people will have cast their votes, which will represent the highest turnout for any referendum in Irish history.

Communications Minister and Director of Elections for the Labour Party Alex White, has said that he is not surprised at such a high turnout following such a high-profile campaign across the country.

"Everything that we saw happening over the last 10 days regarding the mobilisation of the electorate has been born out by the turnout, certainly in my constituency in Dublin-Rathdown where I think turnout will exceed 70%," said the Minister.

People were asked whether to allow same-sex marriage, and whether to reduce the minimum age of presidential candidates from 35 to 21 years.

A Dáil by-election is also being held in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency.

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