Pensioner refuses to vote over polling station arrangements

AN elderly Northside man refused to vote in last weekend’s Children’s Referendum over polling station arrangements in his area.

Tommy Condren (85), who lives in Griffith Court, Fairview, wouldn’t travel to Drumcondra to vote because there was a polling station across from his house.

Mr Condren said he made his decision

“out of principle

? because of how

“unjust and illogical

? it was to force a number of residents in Fairview to make their way to Church Avenue in Drumcondra to exercise their democratic right.

“I don’t see the sense in having to travel so far to vote despite the fact that there is a polling station across the road from us,

? Mr Condren told Northside People.

“It’s not like it makes any difference at all, especially when both areas have the same candidates going for election and this is a referendum where you either vote yes or no.

“There are 110 houses in my estate and many of my neighbours conveyed the same views and refused to vote for the same reason as I did. It simply doesn’t make sense.

?

Mr Condren, who described himself as more able bodied and fit than many other people in their 80s, said he feels the elderly and disabled are being disenfranchised of their vote through the current polling station arrangements.

“I believe it’s very important to vote and I would have always exercised my right to vote until recently,

? he stated.

“I previously voted in my local polling station in Philipsburgh Avenue until a few years ago when that changed to Church Avenue in Drumcondra.

“I did vote there a few times but this time around I just got fed up with being forced to walk the awkward and long-winding route to Drumcondra when there is a closer polling station.

“I just think and worry about how much more difficult it would be if I were less able bodied or fit.

?

A spokesman for the Dublin City Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the voting arrangements in these particular areas were

“tweaked

? several years ago.

“Technically this resident would have to cross a ward line,

? he told Northside People.

“Whilst we do recognise that these residents in Fairview could attend a polling station 200 or so metres away from them, they must vote in the ward known as Drumcondra South A.

“We see no reason to change the system unless representations are made to us from residents or public representatives but we repeatedly highlighted and advertised the option of changing polling stations for constituents with particular concerns or circumstances.

?

The spokesman said they always try to facilitate people and are

“pretty flexible

?.

“Every time there is an election or a vote, people can make representations on their case for changing to a more convenient polling station, and I would urge everyone to vote,

? he added.

“A significant advertising campaign to highlight this facility was run in local and national newspapers last month.

?