European voter numbers rise dramatically: survey

THE number of Europeans eligible to vote in local elections in Cork has jumped from 311 to 2,922 in a little over 18 months, according to figures released yesterday.

Cork County Council released the figures following a major survey which was carried out over the past few months by 40 field workers, backed by 117 enumerators.

The major rise in EU voters, especially from Poland, was far more dramatic than those from non-EU countries.

When the register was last checked in January, 2005 there were 2,315 non-EU voters. The latest figures in that category show a jump of just 460 to 2,775.

People from EU states will be allowed to vote in EU and local elections, while those from outside the EU who are registered may only vote in local elections. They may not vote in general elections

According to a council spokeswoman there are 286,615 people eligible to vote in a general election living in County Cork. A total of 40,581 people have become eligible since January, 2005. Out of that a large percentage are people who have just turned 18, although the county council spokeswoman said that it also took into account a number of people who had moved into the area.

The number of deletions from the register due to death amounted to 3,556. Other deletions from the register included change of address and duplications.

In addition gardaí and members of the Defence Forces — who have postal votes — were removed

The Carrigaline electoral area had the highest number of people removed from the electoral area with 8,918.

Cllr Tim Lombard, who lives in that area said that nearly 6.5% of people had been deleted from that local register. He said it was an alarming figure and it was important people checked to see they were still on the register.

Cllr Michael Creed, a former Mayor of County Cork added the onus was now on members of the public to ensure they were on it.

The register is expected to be scrutinised by politicians in the coming months, as many gear up to fight next year’s general election.

Apart from that councillors will also be looking intently at the increasing number of non-nationals who are eligible to vote in local elections. Between EU and non-EU citizens there are 5,697 eligible to vote in local elections.