Major Electoral Register update campaign launched by Longford County Council

Longford County Council has commenced a significant data validation exercise to enhance the accuracy of the county's Register of Electors, with fieldworkers now conducting verification visits across 11 polling districts covering approximately 11,000 residences.

The initiative follows the Electoral Commission's first-ever Oversight Report published in May 2025, which highlighted the need for improved completeness and accuracy of electoral registers nationally.

Whilst the Commission confirmed that electoral integrity has not been compromised, addressing data gaps remains crucial for maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.

All registered electors are asked to complete their records by adding their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), date of birth, and Eircode at www.checktheregister.ie.

This secure verification process with the Department of Social Protection protects register integrity and confirms identity details.

It is important to note that even voters who participated in 2024 electoral events must update their details online.

If your details are not up to date you risk missing important communications from Longford County Council and even risk being removed from the register.

New registrations to the Register of Electors are also encouraged from anyone who has not previously registered and who are over 18 and living in County Longford.

Anyone aged 16 or 17 can also now pre-register to vote and their names will be automatically added to the register when they turn 18.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "Democracy functions best when every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote. This comprehensive update ensures our electoral register reflects the true picture of County Longford's voting population. I encourage every resident to take five minutes online to secure their democratic voice for years to come."

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, "Accurate electoral registers form the bedrock of our democratic system. This project represents our commitment to electoral integrity and public trust. The data we're collecting will enable us to calculate genuine turnout figures and ensure resources are allocated effectively across our communities."

Longford County Council’s Franchise team is simultaneously pursuing multiple verification strategies.

Beyond the primary fieldwork programme, letters are being dispatched to an additional 900 electors in other polling districts requesting confirmation of their details.

The team is also making repeated contact attempts with over 600 electors whose polling cards were returned undelivered during 2024.

All fieldworkers carry official Longford County Council identification and will only request information relevant to electoral status. They will never ask for financial details.

Residents can verify any fieldworker's credentials by contacting the council on 043 334 42 56.

The awareness campaign extends beyond door-to-door visits, with the Franchise team maintaining an active presence at community events.

Recent engagement initiatives included attendance at Longford Agricultural Show and Old School New School events, with further community outreach planned.

This data validation project directly addresses key concerns raised in the Electoral Commission's oversight report, positioning Longford County Council at the forefront of electoral register modernisation efforts nationwide.

Visit www.checktheregister.ie to update your PPSN, date of birth, and Eircode. For further information please contact Longford County Council on 043 334 42 56.

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