TENI

21 MAY 2015

What You Need to Know: Vote YES for Marriage Equality

On Friday 22nd May make your voice heard in the Marriage Equality Referendum. Everyone should be able to marry the person they love. This referendum is of huge significance to many trans* people and will directly affect our lives. Vote YES!

Here is the info you need to know for Friday.

What do I do on Friday 22nd May?

• If you are registered to vote, a polling card will be sent to your home before Friday 22nd May.
• Your polling card will tell you where your polling station is.
• Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Afraid you'll forget? Get a SMS reminder here.

I am registered but I never received my polling card?

• You can still vote.
• Contact your local authority (details here) and ask them where you local polling station is, or just ask your neighbour.
• Bring photographic ID to that polling station.

What identification can I use?

Types of acceptable identification include: passport, driving licence, an employee identity card containing a photograph, a travel document containing a name and photograph, or a bank or savings or credit union book containing your address in the constituency.

You can also use a cheque book, a cheque card, a credit card, a birth certificate or a marriage certificate, as long as it’s accompanied by another document which confirms your address in the constituency.
 
What if I changed my name by deed poll?

You can only vote under the name you are registered to vote with. This will be the name on your polling card or you can check the register here.

If you have changed your name by deed poll and are voting under your new name, you also need to have ID in your new name. The polling station will not accept any ID in your old name even if you bring your deed poll to the polling station. If you are registered to vote under your old name, bring ID that matches that name and you will still be able to vote.
 
I’m worried my physical appearance does not match the name I am voting under. Will I be prevented from voting?

The polling station is not concerned with physical presentation, they only need to be sure that you are the person registered to vote. If there is any doubt the Presiding Officer can ask you a number of questions and to swear under oath that you are who you say you are. We would suggest that if you’re concerned, that you bring evidence like additional ID, a bank statement with name and address or even a medical letter stating you’re trans* with you on polling day.  
 
I’m nervous about encountering harassment at the polling station because of my gender identity or gender expression.

Voting is your democratic right. We hope that no one has any negative experiences on polling day. However, should you encounter any harassment ask to speak to the Senior Presiding Officer or the Gardaí that is present. If you are nervous about going to vote on your own we would encourage you to reach out to the LGB and trans* community, ask for company to the polling station, car pool and support each other. 

Looking for more information on the Marriage Equality Referendum?

Yes Equality
BeLonG To YES
Referendum Commission

Please get in touch with TENI at office@teni.ie or (01) 873 3575 if you have any more questions or concerns. Make sure your voice is heard this Friday.

 

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