Overseas Voting: Ireland

Information about voting in Irish elections from abroad...

In order to vote in Irish elections, a voter must be resident in Ireland and their name must be entered on the Electoral Register. A new Electoral Register is compiled each year and is published on 1 November.

The only way an Irish citizen may vote is to first have their names entered on the Electoral Register. A new Electoral Register is compiled each year and is published on 1 November. Only those who reside in Ireland may be included.

This means that an Irish citizen living abroad cannot vote in Irish elections. The only exception made to this rule is for Irish officials (and their spouses) stationed abroad. Voters in this category may apply to submit a postal vote. There are no facilities for in-person voting outside Ireland.

  • Applications to be included on the Postal Voters list must be received no later than November 25. Applying to vote by post is a separate process from registering to vote
  • For detailed information see the Irish Citizens Information website