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To: The Taoiseach

Petition for Postal Voting Rights for Irish Citizens Abroad

We demand that Ireland introduces postal voting rights for all Irish citizens abroad. Their inclusion is vital to creating a representative democracy that works for everyone, at home and abroad.

Why is this important?

The Irish elections have concluded, and once again, the status quo has been upheld. However, we must look to the future and ensure that the voices of all Irish citizens—both at home and abroad are heard in shaping our democracy. For too long, the voices of those who have emigrated have been excluded, despite their continued ties to Ireland and the very policies that have pushed them away.

Every year, over 60,000 of our young people leave Irish shores, driven away by a country that has become increasingly inhospitable to those seeking a decent quality of life. The policies of successive governments have failed to address the crises we face in housing, workers' rights, healthcare, and the broader quality of life for ordinary people. Instead, the status quo persists, upheld by an electorate that does not reflect the full breadth of Irish voices.

We call for the inclusion of Irish citizens living abroad in our democratic process through postal voting rights. These are people forced to emigrate due to the inability of this government to provide for its citizens. Their voices matter. The decisions made here affect their future, their families, and their hope of ever returning to a better Ireland.

This petition highlights the following urgent concerns:

  1. Failed Government Policies: Successive governments, particularly the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition, have prioritized enterprise and profits over people. This has led to:
·        An unprecedented housing crisis, forcing families into homelessness and driving young people out of the country.
·        A voluntarist model of collective bargaining, leaving Irish workers with some of the weakest protections across OECD states.
·        A shift towards privatisation of public services, reducing job quality and diminishing workers' rights while prioritising profits over service provision.

  1. A Mass Exodus: Our rich culture, community, and potential are being eroded as young people emigrate en masse. This government has stripped Ireland of what makes it vibrant and sustainable for future generations.
  2. Lack of Representation: The recent election results reflect a system that excludes the voices of those most impacted by these policies. Our emigrants must have the right to vote, to ensure the government is held accountable not just by those who remain but also by those forced to leave.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for:

  • The right of emigrants to have their voices heard.
  • The need to address low voter turnout by ensuring more inclusive participation.
  • A fairer, more inclusive Ireland that prioritises its people.
Let us reflect on our voting policies and build a country that future generations can call home.





Updates

4 weeks ago

50 signatures reached

1 month ago

25 signatures reached

1 month ago

10 signatures reached