Calls for extension of postal ballot system

THE plight of hundreds of people denied the right to vote because they are on pilgrimage to Lourdes has led to renewed calls for a more liberal postal ballot system.

The holding of an election in June means thousands of people who ordinarily play a part in elections cannot do so because they are on holidays.

Among those are hundreds of pilgrims from the Cloyne diocese.

The Cloyne diocese’s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes left this week and will not return until Saturday, when it will be too late for its participant to cast a ballot.

There are 950 people on the pilgrimage, almost 900 of whom are old enough to vote.

Pat Cotter from Cobh, who is among those on the trip to Lourdes, said she is upset at not being able to cast her ballot.

“It is the first time in 37 years I will not vote. I would have a thing about voting and I have always told my children how important it is to vote.

“Particularly as a woman I would always remember the people who did so much to get the vote in the first place.

“I have a son in the navy and they can use a postal vote, I cannot see why they would not allow us register our vote when we have our tickets and obviously are not in the country,” she said.

Fine Gael deputy David Stanton had put down parliamentary questions in the run up to the election in the hope of relaxing the rules.

He asked if the housebound and members of defence forces could be granted a postal ballot, it should also apply to those genuinely overseas.

Mr Stanton suggested this could be done by presenting authentic travel documents at a Garda station.

“Many retired and older people, in particular, tend to take holidays in early June because prices tend to be lower and the resorts also tend to be quieter as children are still at school.

“These citizens are very often disappointed that they are unable to vote due to the fact that holidays are pre-booked. I am calling on the Minister for the Environment to allow these people a postal vote on production of proof that a holiday has indeed been booked,” he said.

In response to Mr Stanton Environment minister John Gormley said there were no provisions in electoral legislation to extend the franchise for absentee ballots.

“While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements along the lines referred to,” he said.