{"id":20312,"date":"2018-03-10T12:19:30","date_gmt":"2018-03-10T12:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/?p=20312"},"modified":"2018-03-10T12:19:30","modified_gmt":"2018-03-10T12:19:30","slug":"concept-explainer-referenda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/index.php\/concept-explainer-referenda\/","title":{"rendered":"Concept Explainer: Referenda"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, if you\u2019ve been paying any attention to the news recently or maybe you\u2019ve seen something on your Facebook feed, you know that Ireland is about to have a very divisive referendum on abortion. If you\u2019re left scratching your head and haven\u2019t a clue what the hell a referendum is or how do you vote in one, then fear no more.<\/p>\n

We here at An Focal<\/em> are ready to explain to you in simple language what a referendum is and why it\u2019s important that you vote in the upcoming one this May.<\/p>\n

What is a Referendum?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new law. E.g. \u201che called for a referendum on the death penalty\u201d.<\/p>\n

In Ireland, there are two types of Referendum:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Constitutional Referendum<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When the Government wishes to change something in the Irish Constitution, it must do so by holding a Constitutional Referendum. The referendum gives the people a chance to vote for or against the proposed change or amendment to the Constitution.<\/p>\n

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    1. Ordinary referendum<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      When the Government wishes to introduce a law that is of national importance, the Seanad and the D\u00e1il can petition the President to hold a referendum about the law.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s the former that is of particular interest, as this is the one which will be happening this year. To call a Constitutional Referendum, a proposal to amend the Constitution must be introduced in the D\u00e1il as a Bill. The Bill sets out the proposed amendment to the Constitution. The Bill must be passed by both the D\u00e1il and the Seanad.<\/p>\n

      The Bill is then submitted to the people so that they can vote for or against it. If the majority of the votes cast at the referendum are in favour of the change, the Bill is signed by the Irish President and the Constitution is then amended.<\/p>\n

      Who can vote in a referendum?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If you are listed on the Register of Electors in Ireland, a polling card will be sent to your home before the referendum date. Your polling card will include your elector number and will tell you where you can vote. It will also include a formal statement explaining what the referendum is about.<\/p>\n

      On the day of the referendum, you must go to the polling station stated on your polling card. There will be further information available at the polling station explaining again what the referendum is about. You will then be given a ballot paper.<\/p>\n

      Voting is by secret ballot. Your ballot paper will contain short instructions on how to vote and will show the title of the bill proposing to amend the Constitution. Your ballot paper will ask you whether you approve of the passing of the bill. You must mark “X” in either the “yes” or the “no” box on your ballot paper. You then fold your ballot paper to hide how you voted and place it in a sealed ballot box. You can only vote once at a referendum.<\/p>\n

      You must bring a valid form of personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, with you when you go to vote.<\/p>\n

      How do I know if I\u2019m on the register of electors? <\/strong><\/p>\n

      You can check to see if you\u2019re on the register in a number of ways:<\/p>\n