"It's expected that at least half of the electorate didn't vote. At the last presidential election in 2018, turnout was 44pc, the lowest ever. The information coming in from count centres around the county last night was that it's dipped well below that this time. Yes the bank holiday and the chilly weather will be blamed. But this is really a consequence of the narrow choice on offer, and a is likely to lead to further calls to ease the nomination criteria."
"In previous elections spoiled ballots have been largely a result of people voting for Dustin the Turkey - or, as the head of the Electoral Commission said, writing something as futile as Mayo For Sam on their ballot paper. But this election is different because there is concerted effort underway to spoil your vote. This is largely driven by social conservative campaigners who are angry that Maria Steen didn't get a nomination."
Turnout appears markedly low, with early counts suggesting well below the 44% recorded in 2018. Weather and a bank holiday may have reduced participation, but a narrow candidate choice is likely the main cause and could prompt calls to ease nomination rules. A coordinated campaign is encouraging voters to spoil ballots, raising predicted rates of spiked votes. A Fianna Fáil name remains on the ballot despite the candidate's lack of desire to run; reaching 12.5% would allow recouping €250,000. Counting begins at 9am in 32 centres, and an early first-count result could produce a quick declaration.
Read at Irish Independent
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