GE2024: First time voting? Here's how Ireland's system works

As Irish voters go to the polls to have their say in the 2024 general election, many of us will be voting for the first time. Even if you voted in last year's referendum, there are a few differences with how voting works in an election.

First of all, Ireland uses a system called proportional representation, by means of a single transferable vote. What this means is that while every person only gets to cast one vote, you can include multiple people at the same time and basically list them in the order you prefer starting from number 1.

How do I cast my vote?

When you go to your local voting centre where you are registered, you will be handed some paper that shows the full list of candidates in your area. Each candidate will have a box beside their name, and it's here that you mark a number for each candidate you want to back.

It's important to remember that you do not need to fill out the entire sheet, so don't feel like you need to work your whole way down. Just start from your first preference by marking them as 1, and then add a 2 for your second choice, and so on.

That is about as complicated as it gets from your side of things! Just put numbers beside any candidates you want to vote for, and cast your ballot.

You don't need to vote based on party, or even for any party at all as there will likely be independent candidates in your locality as well. Each candidate is listed individually and you can vote in any order you want.

You don't have to worry about having someone standing over your shoulder, either. Votes are cast in privacy so you can take your time and put thought into who you think best represents what's important to you.

Why can't I just vote for one person?

Strictly speaking you can vote for just one person, but that can mean your vote doesn't carry as much weight as it normally would. The reason why Ireland uses this system is so that even if your first choice doesn't get voted in, you can still have a say in who does.

Think of it this way, by voting in order of preference you are basically saying that if Person A doesn't get in, you're happy enough for Person B or Person C to represent you. By giving your vote more weight and keeping it in the mix as votes are counted, you can even have an impact on whether or not Person D (who you don't support) gets their seat.

This also makes sense in the case that your first preference DOES get their seat. There are multiple seats in every constituency, so it makes sense for you to vote for at least as many people as there are seats to fill.

That way, you can make sure that the people who represent you are the people that you were happy to support in the general election.

Hopefully now you will have a better idea of how things work when you go to your voting centre. Now all that's left is for you to turn up and vote, so make sure you have your say!