There has been a call for the initiation of a concerted drive to engage and enthuse people around the electoral process in a bid to break voter apathy, and better inform people of the huge responsibility they have in the electoral process.
Aontú Cllr Emer Tóibín says the Electoral Commission, the body tasked with the responsibility of raising public awareness around Ireland’s electoral process has a huge role to play in this, saying that voter apathy is proving to be a huge stumbling block, saying that “too many voters are disengaged, uninformed, or swayed by celebrity status and media exposure rather than policies and principles”.
“Education is key. Mock elections in primary and secondary schools should be a mandatory part of our curriculum, giving young people an early understanding of the importance of voting and how to critically assess candidates and policies. We need an initiative to start building political awareness from a young age. I truly believe that if schools participate in education it will have a knock on positive effect on the parents and guardians of the school children. The cycle of voter apathy is a serious cause for concern and feeds into a deeper weariness and cynicism that will not serve the interest of anyone on this island”.
“Let’s challenge ourselves and each other to do better. Let’s vote based on values, policies, and principles—not habit, laziness, or familiarity. A real change is only possible when we, the people, take responsibility for our votes. Our vote matters, we must use it. All too many people feel ignored by the political system. Too many families watch their children emigrate, too many communities are left behind, and too many politicians make promises they never keep and the only way to make them accountable for their tack record of inaction is to vote them out”.
“Otherwise, we have the bizarre situation where failure is rewarded”.
“Where on earth would you get it…It’s utterly bonkers”
“I am really concerned about this, and I see it not only as a huge challenge but as a real crisis that has to be addressed as a matter of urgency. We only have to look at the last General Election where, despite the crises of housing and crime, coupled with reckless Government spending and the ever spiralling cost of living costs , the electorate voted along the lines it always had and the two biggest parties in the state sailed back in”.
“I feel this was down to huge disinterest by the public and more seriously, a feeling that they really hadn’t the power of the agency to effect change”.
“Despite the radical shifts in ideology and priorities among the three main political parties over the past 20 years, their support base remains largely unchanged. Why is this? Have voters truly examined what these parties now stand for? Or are they voting on muscle memory rather than genuine belief in their policies?”
“A worrying trend has emerged where name recognition takes precedence over policy. Politicians who frequently appear on television enjoy an unfair advantage, and celebrity candidates often secure votes based on popularity rather than competence. In a system where every vote counts, this kind of uninformed decision-making has real consequences for the future of our country and it is skewing the real representation for the electorate”.
“It’s time we, as voters, don the green jersey—not just for ourselves, but for those who feel politics is too complicated, too boring, or too corrupt to engage with. Our national identity and collective responsibility must be at play here. Voting isn’t just personal but about shaping the country for everyone, especially those who feel unheard. We must vote with purpose, understanding that our choices impact the vulnerable, the emigrants who want to return home, the struggling families, and the next generation who will inherit the Ireland we shape today”.
“I am urging the electorate to do their ‘homework’ – Know Who You’re Voting for, check each candidate’s track record, not just their promises. Ask: Have they delivered for you and your community? Don’t be fooled by spin—look at their votes in the Dáil”.
“Voters deserve accountability”
“We all must hold the Government to a higher standard, challenge politicians when they make empty promises. Demand accountability, competence, and honesty. We need real leadership, not more of the same ”.
“The Electoral Commission is currently accepting submissions to the Education and Public Engagement Strategy Consultation and the deadline is Monday 24th March and I urge people to make their recommendations and use the power they have”.
