Time to update system barely changed since State’s founding

Thu, 28 Feb, 2019 - 00:00

A list of proposals to update and modernise the register of electors. Here, minister John Paul Phelan explains what they are and why the action is being taken.

The register of electors for 2019/2020 lists who can vote in what elections and at what location.

It came into force on February 15 and is renewed annually. A draft register is published on November 1 each year. It is available for examination (for example at post offices, public libraries, and Garda stations) up to November 25, with the public invited to check the draft during this period to make sure they are correctly registered.

If a person is not included in the current register, they may apply to be included on a supplement to the register, which is published before polling day at each election and referendum.

The same calendar cycle exists for the electoral registers for postal and special voters. In total, there are over 20 forms for electoral registration.

Most of us will use the electoral registration process during our lives. For many, it’s an important process, a gateway to exercising one’s democratic rights in elections and referendums that have a significant bearing on our lives. Registration should be easy, simple, and secure.

The current registration process could be made much easier and more user-friendly, not to mention reflective of modern living. People move house more frequently than they used to.

Census 1996 showed 74,001 people aged over 15 had moved house in the previous year. In 2016, the figure was 219,995 people. People use State services online much more, often through self-service accounts.

To match the registration process with modern life, the department and I have reviewed a system that has barely changed since the State’s foundation.

After consulting with the county and city councils (which do an excellent job at maintaining their respective electoral registers) on draft proposals, I published proposals in December.

These include:

Simplification of the process, with a single, simplified form;

Optional online registration (with paper form-based registration to remain available) and a secure self- service;

A continuous ‘live’ electoral register to replace the current draft, live, and supplement versions;

A move to individual registration only — the current practice of household registration canvases can potentially result in people being registered or their details amended without their explicit consent;

Enabling a single, national electoral register database with unique electoral identifiers — this would standardise data formats and processes, and prevent and remove duplicate entries on the register;

A move to verified identity using a person’s Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) — this would minimise the need to present documentation at a local garda station and the potential for duplicate or erroneous amendments;

Data sharing between public bodies and councils to maintain a register’s accuracy and comprehensiveness. This might involve automatic updating of registration address when they change address with another public body, for example, when paying motor tax.

In addition, I am proposing:

Allowing provisional registration for 16-17-year-olds, with registration automatically becoming active on someone’s 18th birthday;

Specific registration provision for people with no fixed address (for example, people experiencing[/lhomelessness), to ensure a standard procedure across the country;

Provision for anonymous registration for people whose safety may be at risk if their details are public on the register (for example, where court-ordered protections exist);

An end to the edited electoral register (the version containing the names and addresses of those who have consented to their details being used for non-electoral purposes like direct marketing).

The proposals, if implemented, would result in a clear, simple, and user-friendly process, with one form, process, and register all year round. They would balance security with ease of access for the user and ensure the electoral register is secure, comprehensive, and accurate. They would accommodate everyone — those who prefer online and paper form registration.

The electoral register must be more than user-friendly and secure. Like the running of elections, it must enjoy public confidence. Any reform must take account of people’s views on these proposals and how they are implemented.

The proposals on identity verification and data sharing, for example, are important parts of the package.

While they would be subject to clear standards, limits, and safeguards, it’s important that the Government understands any public concerns at this stage. Only by understanding any concerns can we can try and address them.

Public feedback will inform more detailed proposals in advance of implementation. Reform won’t happen overnight. Those registering or amending their details in advance of polling day in May won’t be affected. The Government will only implement reform after considering all views received and developing these proposals.

John Paul Phelan is minister of state for local government and electoral reform. For more information on the proposals, and how to give your views by March 15, visit registerreform.gov.ie