Graduates urged to register for new Seanad constituency before deadline

Green Party Higher Education Spokesperson and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillor for Stillorgan, Eva Dowling said: “The Green Party is calling on all graduates, especially newly eligible voters, to check their registration status and register on seanadvoter.ie before the February deadline.

“There is now a new opportunity for many people, particularly recent graduates and those who may not previously have been eligible, to have a direct say in who represents them in Seanad Éireann. All Irish citizens with a bachelors, masters or doctoral qualification from an Irish higher education institution may now be eligible to register.

“The list of designated institutions has widened significantly allowing graduates from many more higher level education institutions allowing graduates of: Dublin City University (DCU), University of Limerick (UL), Technological University (TU), and the former Institutes of Technology (IT), amongst others, to vote in the Seanad elections for the first time.

“Please don’t assume you’re on the list as voters on the previous NUI and TCD panels were not automatically added to this new register. I’m encouraging all Irish graduates to check seanadvoter.ie before the deadline.”

Co-chair of the Young Greens / Óige Ghlas, and Drogheda Urban LEA Representative, Adam Devine said:

“The Seanad is unfairly elected and in need of reform, but until there is reform the new Higher Education Seanad constituency is an opportunity for more young people to have a vote in both the Seanad and the Dáil at the next general election, so it’s really important to get onto this new register of electors.

“Right now, younger people are feeling disproportionately affected by the climate, housing, health, and cost-of-living crises with it becoming harder and harder to get a start in life, so giving a say to more young people in the Seanad is a big step in raising their collective voice.”

“If you’ve graduated and received your degree, you may be eligible to vote in the Seanad elections. Go to seanadvoter.ie to get registered before the February 26th deadline.”

Green Party Leader and Dublin West TD, Roderic O’Gorman said: “The new six-seater higher education panel will give so many new voters a chance to put green issues at the heart of the political agenda.

“The current Government has repeatedly turned its back on implementing measures to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. They raided the Climate and Nature Fund, reversed the 2:1 spend on public transport and delayed publication of the Climate Action Plan.

“More than ever, we need voices in the Seanad who will stand up for climate, biodiversity and the environment. I’m encouraging everyone to check their registration status and if they are eligible, to get registered before the February deadline.”