Poles urged to vote

MEMBERS of the Polish community and other EU migrant groups in Dublin are being asked to get involved in Irish politics and prepare to vote in next year’s local elections by registering with their local council.

The new campaign encouraging EU citizens to register was launched earlier this month following a week-long course during which EU non-nationals learnt about the Irish political system.

Following the course, which was launched by Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn, a number of volunteers stood outside Polish shops, medical clinics and schools to encourage fellow Poles to get involved by registering to vote.

While non-nationals aren’t allowed vote in a General Election European Union (EU) citizens are entitled to take part in local and European elections.

And with some areas like the North Inner City populated with up to 50 per cent of non-nationals they could have a significant impact on local election results. However, despite their large numbers, non-nationals have so far had no representation on Dublin City Council.

Polish national, Piotr Gawlik, was out last week encouraging fellow Poles to exercise their right to vote.

“We are here to speak to people and to help them realise that they are entitled to vote and improve life’s quality in their part of the city,

? he said.

“Local elections are extremely important: it depends on them if your local park will be cleaned, if there will be a playground nearby or cultural events organised.

“The majority of people are surprised they are entitled to vote in Ireland. It is crucial for all of us to have this possibility and to use our rights.

?

Agnieszka Wieczorkowska, who is the campaign’s coordinator in Ballymun, is reminding EU citizens that the have to register before October 25.

“Even if you are not sure if you want to vote yet, it is better to register anyway as afterwards might be too late to do so,

? she said.

“Filling in a registration form is very easy: you just enter your address, first and second names of people living with you and their date of birth.

“The person writing down the necessary details needs to sign the form and send it to City Council. There is no need to pay for a postage: it is sufficient to write Freepost on the envelope.

?

Lord Mayor, Oisín Quinn, is backing the campaign to get all EU citizens entitlted to vote to register.

“I am glad to see the Polish community actively engaging in the life of Irish towns and cities,

? he said.

“I see them every day living, working, attending cultural events, truly integrating in our city and I believe they will play a significant role in the forthcoming local elections. I am happy to see such an initiative.

? The local elections will take place in May, 2014. Anybody who wants to vote can visit checktheregister.ie where an application form is available.