Election countdown: 35,000 votes up for grabs across two constituencies
LAST PUSH BY ‘CORK VOTES’ CREW TO GET YOU TO THE POLLING STATION, ON TIME
OVER 35,000 votes – or three full quotas – are up for grabs across the two constituencies of Cork North West and Cork East in this Saturday’s general election.
The votes are ‘up for ba’ because candidates who gained substantial numbers of first preference votes in 2016 are not running this time. That amounts to, at least, 13,500 first preference votes in Cork NW – over a quota; and 20,500 votes in Cork East – almost two quotas.
Many of those votes will simply be redistributed along party lines – for example, Aine Collins’ (FG) 6,237 first preferences in Cork NW, and Noel McArthy and Tom Barry’s (both FG) combined 7,867 in Cork East. But, Fine Gael are under pressure in the polls, so how many of those votes will they retain come Saturday?
Also, in elections, and in Cork NW in particular, votes tend to stay local, so a great many of those 35,000 are likely to stay in the locality as opposed to being diverted to a same-party candidate.
Meanwhile, FF leader Micheál Martin is back in Cork East today ... trying to get his second man over the line.
It’s down to the wire.
Cork voters want more impartial discussions and information about the practicalities of voting, according to a new Cork group who want to get you to the ballot box on Saturday.
Cork Votes, a group set up with the aim of increasing voter turnout and participation, ran a busy stand outside Cork City Library last weekend, where volunteers were delighted to speak to voters today and to provide voters with lists of the candidates running in each of the five Cork constituencies.
They said that for many voters the logistics of voting is a major factor when faced with transport, childcare or literacy issues. Some voters were also concerned that they did not know where their polling stations were located.
Cork Votes founder and co-organiser of the event, Pádraig Rice, said: “I’d love to see Cork having the highest turnout in the country. It’s often said that your vote is your voice - this election is an opportunity to have your voice heard.
“One of the great things about elections is that every vote is equal - nobody’s vote is worth more than yours. Every vote matters and every vote counts.
“In the local elections last May the last seat on Cork County Council was decided by one single vote. A similar situation could be repeated in this election. So don’t underestimate the power of your vote.”
He said they are advising people to make a plan now about what time they are going to vote on Saturday and how they are going to get there. The polls will be open from 7am - 10pm.
“As long as you are registered you don’t need your polling card to vote but make sure to bring photo ID,” said Pádraig.
“Over the years, I’ve seen votes being spoilt by accident - so take your time and carefully rank the candidates in order of preference (e.g. 1, 2, 3..). If you make a mistake or error don’t be afraid to ask the polling clerk for help.
“There are lots of candidates running this time so take some time in advance of Saturday to consider all of your options.”
Co-organiser of the event Aisling Ryan they spoke to many voters who find the logistics of getting to the polling station difficult, particularly those outside the city centre where distances between homes and polling stations tend to be greater.
“I hope Cork people show their great sense of community on Saturday by checking in with family, friends and neighbours to see if anyone needs a lift to their local polling station or someone to walk with,” she said. “Voting takes place in the heart of Cork communities around the county from national schools to community halls to GAA halls. Be part of the voting community this Saturday.”
Aisling also said how they had noticed trends in the types of questions being asked of them. “Some voters had practical questions around how to mark the ballot and what to do if they didn’t get a polling card in the post. We provided lists of candidates running in the five Cork constituencies and some voters were surprised at the number of candidates - particularly Cork North- Central where 18 candidates are running.”