Inside the Count: Understanding the Irish Electoral Process
As the local elections take place, it’s vital to understand what happens to your vote once you submit your ballot. On June 7th, citizens across Ireland will head to the polls to cast their votes, shaping the future of their communities. But what happens next?
From voter turnout to counting votes, the process is crucial for democracy. Every vote counts. As seen in the proportional representation system, each vote has a weight and can shape election outcomes. Whether a candidate tops the poll or surplus votes are distributed, the count center becomes a hub of activity as votes are counted, sorted, and decisions are made.
The transparent process allows observers, media, and tally people to witness the count firsthand. Through a single transferable vote system, candidates and parties clash in a battle for support. As the results unfold and winners are declared, the impact of each vote becomes clear – shaping the political landscape of Ireland.
Stay Updated with RTÉ Brainstorm on WhatsApp and Instagram
Written by Ciara Mc Kevitt and Cornelia Connolly from University of Galway