Slow turnout in Longford so far for referenda

Polling booths across county Longford opened at 7:00pm this morning. The referenda on changing Ireland's constitution regarding family and care has seen a “steady trickle” of voters to polling booths across the county.

Voters are being asked if they wish to expand the definition of family to include those not based around marriages.

They will also be asked if they wish to remove a reference to the role of women in the home, and put in one recognising care provided by family members.

The consensus appears to be that the referenda have captured the public imagination in a similar manner to the two previous, the Repeal the 8th and Marriage Equality, and .
Speculation is that a low turnout could go against the government resulting in a 'no' to both amendments even.
Government parties have expressed a concern that the voting platform may be used as an opportunity to voice opposition to policy on many pressing social issues, like housing, homelessness and immigration.

This morning a voter in Newtownforbes polling booth spoke of the low profile of the referenda: “There have been no posters up, I have not been approached by one politician asking me to vote on the issue. I think there will be a very low turnout.”

At the St Joseph's NS polling booth in Longford town the uptake of voters is very slow. The invigilating staff report low turnout: “We usually have more voters in the door at this time on election days. So far our voters have been predominantly in the over 50s age group.”

At the polling stations on Friday, voters will be given two ballots - one white and one green.

The white ballot will ask if voters want to accept or reject the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - otherwise known as the family amendment.

If rejected, the current wording will remain the same.

Voters will also receive a green ballot. This refers to the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - or the care amendment.

This amendment proposes to delete wording which references the role of women in the home.

The booths are set to close at 10:00pm tonight. Counting for the twin referendums will begin on Saturday morning.