Time for Ireland to consider online voting in elections – Rock

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock has today (Monday) said that the Government should consider introducing online voting following in its successful use in the recent parliamentary elections in Estonia.

The process in Estonia took place between during the advanced voting period, a six day window that ended four days before the election.

Deputy Rock said: “I read with interest how Estonia welcomed new technology by allowing citizens to vote online in advance of election. Nearly half of the ballots cast in their recent parliamentary elections were cast online during the advanced voting period.

“I believe the Government should investigate introducing something similar for our own elections here.”

“Over 44% of Estonian citizens voted this way, with a higher rate of overall turnout. If introduced here in Ireland, such a measure could dramatically improve turnout at election time,” continued Deputy Rock.

“Such a measure will encourage people to be active in the democratic process and to participate in elections. It will also allow for people who may not be in the country on polling day to participate in elections and ensuring they can have their say in this process.

“I believe the positives outweigh the negatives with such a scheme and I would encourage the Government to investigate the possibility of using this in the future,” Deputy Rock said.