Referendum Ireland

English | Gaeilge

Website of Ireland’s
Referendum Returning Officer

This website provides official information about the holding of a referendum once a date for a referendum is confirmed.

This information will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Statement for the Information of Voters (a formal statement, prescribed by the Oireachtas, on the referendum’s subject matter)
  • A sample ballot paper
  • Voting arrangements and what you need to bring to the polling station
  • Legislation on running of referendums in Ireland
  • A list of Local Returning Officers

On the day that a referendum’s votes are counted, it contains:

  • Live results, by constituency, reported from the Central Count Centre
  • A video of the overall result announced by the Referendum Returning Officer
Person voting at ballot box

Referendums in Ireland

Any amendment to the Constitution of Ireland must first progress as a Bill (that is, a piece of legislation) through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The date for the next referendum will be known once the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has issued a Polling Day Order. 

It is the duty of the Referendum Returning Officer to conduct referendums, and determine and declare the result of referendums. This is in accordance with the Referendum Act 1994.

Further information on referendums in Ireland is available from the website of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s newly established, independent electoral commission. Information on previous referendums is also available on its website.

Who can vote at a referendum in Ireland?

Every citizen of Ireland ordinarily resident in the State, aged 18 years or over on polling day, and whose name is entered on the register of electors, is eligible to vote. 

Register to vote, confirm your registration status or amend your registration details if living outside Dublin.

Register to vote, confirm your registration details or amend your registration details if living in Dublin.