Donegal councillor urges graduates to register for Seanad vote
Councillor Gary Doherty said the expansion of the Seanad electoral register marks important progress, but warned that significant inequalities remain
A Sinn Féin councillor has urged eligible graduates to ensure they are registered to vote in the upcoming Seanad Éireann election before today's deadline, while also calling for voting rights to be extended to Irish citizens who graduated from universities in the North.
Councillor Gary Doherty said the expansion of the Seanad electoral register marks important progress, but warned that significant inequalities remain.
“The electoral register for the Higher Education constituency has now been expanded to include graduates of Atlantic Technological University, among others. This is a welcome and long-overdue development,” he said.
“Previously, only graduates of Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland were entitled to vote in the Higher Education constituency. While the broadening of access is positive, it still excludes thousands of Irish citizens.”
Councillor Doherty said it is “deeply unfair” that Irish citizens who completed their studies at universities in the six counties are denied the same voting rights as those who graduated from institutions in the 26 counties.
“In a border county like Donegal, many of our young people pursue third-level education in the North. They are Irish citizens. They contribute to society. They pay taxes. Yet when it comes to the Seanad election, they are excluded. That cannot be justified.”
He called on the Government to bring forward legislation to ensure that graduates of universities in the North are granted equal voting rights in Seanad elections.
“We need consistency and fairness. If we are serious about inclusion and about recognising the all-Ireland dimension of public life, then this disparity must be addressed. Extending voting rights to northern graduates is a practical and achievable reform.”
In the meantime, the Councillor urged all eligible graduates to check their registration status immediately.
“Anyone who wants to vote in the next Seanad election must ensure their name is added to the register before the deadline this Thursday. I strongly encourage all eligible graduates in Donegal to act now and make their voice heard.”