Three days to get ready for double poll...
Nation asked to vote in two referendums
IT’S a big week (and a big test) for the Government as the country heads to the polls for referendums on family and care this Friday.
Just days away from the vote, people are still confused about what this referendum is about, what it will mean if passed and how they should vote.
Here is everything you need to know before heading up the polls.
When does voting take place?
Polls open on Friday, March 8, at 7am and will remain open until 10pm.
If you received a polling card, it will tell you what polling station to attend. If you did not receive a polling card, you can Check the Register to see where to go to vote. You can only vote in the polling centre where you have been registered.
Make sure to have a photo ID with you when you go to the polling station.
Place an X in the box to vote either for or against the proposed amendment. Fill in one box per ballot paper or else your vote will be considered spoilt.
How many votes are there?
People are being asked to vote in two proposed amendments: the Family Amendment and the Care Amendment.
What is the family amendment?
This amendment will ask people to expand the definition of a family to include those in “durable relationships”.
This will be on the white paper received in the polling station.
What are those in favour of the family amendment saying?
Those campaigning in favour say the inclusion of those in a “durable relationship” in the definition of a family will recognise people who are considered families in everyday life, but are not recognised as such in the Constitution.
What are those against the family amendment saying?
Those against say the definition of a “durable relationship” is not explicit enough. In some quarters, it has led to concerns that it will take away the incentive to get married.
What is the care amendment?
This amendment would remove the so-called “a woman’s place in the home” clause in the Constitution.
What are those in favour of the care amendment saying?
Those in favour say that it will remove the language about women’s duties in the home and the potential “neglect” of these responsibilities.
What are those not in favour of the care amendment saying?
Those not in favour say it will trust all responsibility for the care of vulnerable people onto families, and remove all such responsibility from the State.
More information is available on the Electoral Commission’s website (www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/)