Support the Irish Election Weekend Voting Petition
If you, like me, feel that a weekend vote in the upcoming election makes much more sense than Bertie Ahern’s Thursday proposal then I urge you to make your voice heard by clicking on the “Work Thursday – Vote Saturday” button on the left sidebar.
This petition has been organised by The Irish Election Website and it is a way for our voice to be heard.The petition reads as follows :
“To: The Irish Government
We believe in democracy and that everyone should have the right to vote. By having a polling on a Thursday it is clear that the intent of the government to limit the ability of many who are away from their homes to vote in this election and exercise that right such as commuters not getting back to their homes till late at night and students living away from their constituencies. We believe that this is wrong and that all elections must be at the very least late opening on Fridays and include a Saturday or Sunday vote. This will allow everyone to have their say and exercise their right to vote. “
I know that Nicky Kelly has come out and said that the move to a Thursday is a bad one, but he has not called for a weekend vote and his press release stated that Friday polling day (as per the 2002 election) was the preferred option. I haven’t seen any press releases from the other candidates about Thursday polling day.
Of course, there is the argument that no matter what day of the week a vote is held on it is going to be a problem for some, but Thursday definitely doesn’t make sense to me.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I heartily agree with this. We need to encourage people to vote - particularly young people - and they are unlikely to be around home on a Thursday. Let’s try to get everyone to vote and take responsibility for our future as a nation. A supermarket wouldn’t choose to launch its opening on a Thursday, why should an Election?
April 24th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Having an election during the week is slightly irresponsible and selfish act on behalf of the government. Are they not the representatives of the people, are hey not supposed to be listening to the people and acting upon the majority of our wishes. A weekend vote will enable more people to vote in this election, but is that what Bertie is afraid of?? Most of us work during the week, so the weekend would seem to be the most logical time for a vote?
April 26th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
You’re right it is irresponsible. I think there would be a higher turnout on a Sunday for example. But we’ll probably never find out unfortunately.
April 29th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
RTE News 19-9-2002:
Interviewer: Why did you pick Saturday as polling day?
Taoiseach: The view of the government…was we should give Saturday a chance…We have never done that in this country so hopefully we can maximise a very high vote. There is a lot of third level institutions in this country now and Saturday brings them home. there is a lot of other people around the country working all week and Saturday will bring them home to their constituencies
Interviewer: Isn’t that a risk with so much apathy?
Taoiseach: This should help them, young people particularly the students unions and others have said they need to be facilitated…by going on a Saturday it gives them an opportunity to turn out.
Funny how he took this view before the Nice referendum but not for the General Election
April 29th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Bad decision to hold on Thursday but as people are saying on politics.ie - this will probably suit FF better as less students voting means the majority of voters on the day will be more traditional and conservative.