Students call for polling stations on campuses

STUDENTS may lose their right to vote because of election rules which are likely to prevent thousands of people studying away from home from participating in their local constituency ballots, it was claimed yesterday.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has called on the Government to set up polling stations on campuses to allow students to vote.

At the opening day of its annual congress yesterday, USI president Colm Hamrogue highlighted the difficulties facing third-level students wishing to take part in the upcoming General Election, which could take place some time next month.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has already indicated that he is likely to set the national poll for a Thursday in an effort to improve voter turnout, but this is not supported by students.

“The General Election could see many students effectively disenfranchised because of an outdated requirement that voters may only cast a ballot in their home constituency. USI is calling on the Government to introduce campus polling stations,” Mr Hamrogue said.

In his address to the congress in Bundoran, Co Donegal, he hailed the success of USI’s campaigns to boost voter registration and turnout among students.

“Students and young people are set to play a pivotal role in the General Election. USI wants to share the facts about voting with students everywhere,” he said.

USI is also encouraging students to seek commitments from election candidates to address what was described as the underfunding of student supports and college infrastructures.

“Delegates at our congress expect every party to pledge increased investment for third level,” he said.

“Reform of the creaking student grant system is desperately needed and so too is investment in student healthcare, accommodation, and outdated college buildings.”