Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposed changes would give the Electoral Commission a formal role in reviewing how Seanad Éireann is elected, who can vote in those elections, and whether the voting age should change. It would also ask the Commission to research possible changes to the voting age more broadly. Separate changes to election law would better protect civil society groups from being treated as if all of their activity is party-political, and would make public buses and trains free on polling day. Overall, it aims to make elections more accessible, broaden debate on Seanad reform, and remove practical barriers to voting.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Electoral Reform Act 2022 to provide in the functions of An Coimisiún Toghcháin for the review of the electoral system and franchise for Seanad Éireann, and to provide in the functions of An Coimisiún Toghcháin for the review of voting age; to amend the Electoral Act 1997 to protect the right to freedom of association and expression for civil society organisations in Ireland, and to provide for free public transport on polling day; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 30 January 2025