E-voting may be introduced for EU Constitution vote

The Government’s controversial €50m electronic voting system could be introduced in time for the planned referendum on the EU Constitution.

Reports this morning said the Department of the Environment was continuing to test the system and a spokesman had indicated that it could be used in a future referendum.

A vote on the proposed EU Constitution is expected to be held within the next 18 months, while the Government would also have to hold a referendum if it presses ahead with planned reform of the Seanad.

The electronic voting system was due to be used at last year’s local and European elections, but it was withdrawn after an independent commission raised questions about its security and accuracy.