Local elections in Ireland are unbelievably accessible to anyone.
What you need to register:
- €100 deposit
- 2 x Passport type Photos
- A completed form
- Book appointment ot register with the local council/authority returning officer
See “Standing for Election” – https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/elections-and-referenda/types-of-elections-and-referendums/local-elections
If you need help in choosing where to run take a look at this summary of currently declared independent candidates or parties that are #ProIrish in each Local Electoral Area 1
Did you know – You can register in one or more LEAs (Local Electoral Area), for e.g. if you had €94,900 down the back of the couch you could register to run in every LEA across Ireland. It is not uncommon for local candidates especially independents to register in a number of areas.
What happens after I register?
Your name and photo will appear on the ballot paper in the local electoral area(s) of your choosing making you eligible to be elected to a local council or authority.
You should also receive a number of entrance passes to the count centre(s).(approx 2-8, maybe 10 or more).
A complete guide is here with links to forms see: “Standing For Election” and “Rules for candidates” sections2
Once you are registered you can decide to doing nothing (including not even turning up to the vote count ya mad thing!)- you are free to simply resume your social media doom scrolling life or on the flip side you can canvas like a good thing until the very last second.
Whatever you decide to do after registering as a local candidate you have at least purchased one ticket that guarantees your place on the day to sit (or really watch) at the count table
Dress nice, bring some guests / supporters (observers and assistants) and enjoy standing shoulder to shoulder, eyeball to eyeball with sitting politicians as they sweat over the vote count – you will have an grand old time standing up for Ireland while enjoying the fun of the electoral fair!
Best of luck to all!