ieExplains: Who can vote in a presidential election?

Aras an Uachtarain

Speculation is mounting as to who Ireland's next president will be.

There are fewer than four months until the polls open to decide the resident of Áras an Uachataráin for the next seven years.

Here, we take a look at some of the key questions ahead of that day.

Who is eligible to vote in a presidential election?

To vote in a presidential election, you must be:

• An Irish citizen 
• Aged 18 or over 
• Ordinarily resident in Ireland
• Registered to vote

How can I check if I'm eligible?

Easy, log on to checktheregister.ie.

Here, you can also register to vote or change details on your name or address.

When will the election be?

A presidential election must take place in the 60 days before the term of Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.

President Higgins will not be eligible to stand for a third term.

President Higgins.

Must I vote in person?

Ordinarily yes. However, some people are eligible for a postal vote. You are eligible if you are 

• An Irish diplomat posted abroad, or their spouse or civil partner who is living abroad with them; 
• A whole-time member of the Defence Forces.

You may also be eligible for a postal vote if you cannot go to a polling station because:

• You have an illness or disability;
• You are studying full time at an educational institution in Ireland, which is away from the home address where you are registered;
• You cannot vote at your local polling station because of your occupation, service or employment;
• You are unable to vote at your polling station because you are in prison as a result of an order of a court;
• You are a member of the Garda Síochána;
• You are registered as an anonymous elector, or you are part of the household of an anonymous elector.

People who are eligible to vote by post are registered on the Postal Voters List.

Is there a deadline to register for a postal vote? 

Yes. For a general election, the latest date for receipt of applications is two days after the dissolution of the Dáil, while for a Dáil by-election, it is days after the polling day order is made. 

But for all other elections (and referenda), it is 22 days before polling day (excluding Sundays and public holidays). 

How are votes counted?

As in general elections, the presidential election uses proportional representation by the single transferable vote or as it is more commonly known: PR-STV.

You can read more about how PR-STV here