Postal Voting

I can't get to my Polling Station. Am I eligible for a postal vote?

We have two ways of ensuring that people who are unable to attend polling stations on election day register their vote; the Postal Voters List and the Special Voters List.

Postal Voters Lists

The Postal Voters lists form part of the Register of Electors. To be registered for a postal vote, you should be:

A whole-time member of the Defence Forces (if you live in military barracks you can be registered either at the barracks or at your home address) by completing Form RFC, or
An Irish Diplomat posted abroad. Complete and return Form SVS5 to ensure that you and your spouse/civil partner can be registered at your home address in Ireland.

Your governing department should do this automatically for you. Please check with them first. If you have any concerns after this, please get in touch.

You can apply for a postal vote if you:

Are a member of An Garda Síochána; Complete Form RFB if you wish to apply for a postal vote.

Are living at home and are unable to go to a polling station to vote because of a physical illness or physical disability. You should complete Form PV 1. If you are a long-term resident in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution you need to look at our information about the Special Voters List.
Have an occupation that is likely to prevent you from voting at your local polling station on election day. This category includes full-time students registered at home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State; Form PVS 2 is the form you need.
Are unable to vote at your polling station due to circumstances of your detention in prison pursuant to an order of the court; Form RFG is the form you need.
Among certain election staff employed by the Returning Officer outside the constituency where you reside/are registered to vote, Form PV4 is the one you need.

You should know that depending on the type of election, the application procedures and dates for inclusion on the Postal Voters list vary. Please read the notes on the application forms promptly. If you have any questions, contact us for advice as soon as you can.

It is also important to note that if you are registered as a postal voter, you can vote by post only and may not vote at a polling station.