How can you "Use Your Vote"?
Information for Swedish citizens living in Ireland
I'm a Swedish citizen living in Ireland. Can I participate in the 2009 European Elections?
Yes, you can participate in the European Elections 2009. You have two options:
- You can vote in the European Elections in Ireland
or - You can vote in the European Elections in Sweden
Please be aware that you can only choose one of the above options.
How can I participate in the European Elections in Ireland?
You can participate in the European Elections 2009 in Ireland, if
- You are citizen of an EU Member State,
- Were 18 years or older on the day of the Elections,
- Have been resident in Ireland since before 1 September 2008 and
- Are enrolled on the voting register the "Irish Register of Electors".
If you have registered in Ireland previously you can check if you are registered to vote in the European Elections at the offices of the registration authority and at public libraries, post offices and Garda stations(during working hours). You can also check the register online at www.checktheregister.ie.
If you are not already included in the Register for Electors, you can apply for entry into the supplement to the register. To do so you have to fill in an application form (RFA2), which you can obtain from you City/County Council or download from the "check the register" website (http://www.checktheregister.ie/Portals/128/RFA2%20English%20-%20form.pdf)
As an EU citizen you also have to fill in a form for registration as a European Elector (Form EP1) which you can obtain from your City/County Council or download from the following website: http://www.dlrcoco.ie/gp/European_Elector_Form.pdf
Your application form (RFA2) must be witnessed by a member of the Garda Síochána or, if you cannot go to your local Garda station, by an official of your local county or city council provided you state the reason why you were unable to attend a Garda Station.
Your application for entry in the supplement has to be received by your responsible registration authority at least 15 working days before polling day in order to be considered for the European Elections. Therefore your application has to be received by 18 May 2009.
Be aware:
You can only vote in one country
Ireland OR Sweden
You can vote in the European Elections in Sweden...
If
- You are a Swedish citizen, or at some point have been registered in Sweden and have applied to vote in Sweden,
- Aged 18 years or older on the day of the Elections,
- Are in full possession of your voting rights in Sweden
How can I check if I'm registered in the voting register and how can I enrol? Is there a deadline for registration?
If you are not registered and you are living in Sweden you will get a registration form sent to your home in early April. If you did not receive a form you should contact the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) at your place of residency. The application must be received by 8 May at the latest.
How can I vote in the European Elections in Sweden?
To vote in the European Elections in Sweden you have four options:
- Polling Stations: The polling stations are open on 7 June at 8am - 9pm. Polling cards are provided in the polling stations. In mid-May you will receive information in the post on which polling station you can vote in. Remember to bring your ID.
- Early Voting: If you choose Early Voting in a polling station, you can vote in any polling station in Sweden. At the beginning of May, the Swedish Election Authority (www.val.se) will publish addresses and opening hours of all polling stations. Early voting takes place from 20 May to 7 June. You will need your polling card and ID.
- Proxy voting: Proxy voting is allowed if you are sick, disabled or elderly and unable to get to a polling station - it is also allowed to use proxy voting if you are in prison. Proxy voting poll cards are available in all poll stations. They can also be ordered from the county council. If you live in a rural area it is possible for a postman to proxy vote for you.
- Voting from abroad: You can vote at the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in the country you live in. If you do not want to go to the embassy to vote you can vote by post. Information on how to do this can be found on www.val.se
The Embassy of Sweden in Dublin will be open for voting:
• 18 - 22 May: 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm
• 25 - 29 May: 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm
• 1 - 2 June: 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm
Where can you find more information?
You can find more information on the website of the Swedish Election Authority (www.val.se) or you can get in contact with the Swedish Embassy in Ireland:
Swedish Embassy
3rd fl, Block E
Iveagh Court
Harcourt Road
Dublin 2
Tel. : (01) 474 4400
Fax: (01) 474 4450
E-mail: ambassaden.
dublin@foreign.ministry.se
You can also download the information provided on this webpage as an information flyer
