Figures published today showing 45% of the population of the North will not be on the electoral register have been described as “shocking” by a Derry MLA.
Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney.
Sinn Fein’s Raymond McCartney said the Electoral Office need to take “immediate action” to ensure people were registered.
Mr McCartney said: “The figures released today show that on average only 55% of those eligible to vote have returned their electoral registration form. This is a shocking statistic.”
The Sinn Fein MLA added if things remained the same 45% of those of voting age would not have a vote on election day.
Mr McCartney added: “The Electoral Office must take this figure very seriously. It is their responsibility and they must take immediate action to ensure that people are registered.
“Sinn Féin have raised our concerns surrounding the entire electoral registration process. This includes the view that the message was not clear enough in terms of deadlines and the seriousness of not being on the register along with the fact that people will be taken off the register if they have not sent in completed forms.”
Mr McCartney concluded: “This has implications wider than not being able to vote, which is serious enough, but can affect people’s access to personal finance and credit. Sinn Féin will be contacting the Electoral Office to press this message home. We cannot have 45% of eligible voters disenfranchised.”
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