Figures showing 20,000 people in are not on the electoral register have been described as “shocking” by Sinn Féin Waterside Councillor Bridget Meehan.
Cllr Meehan said it was “very worrying” that s thousands of people in the city had still not returned their electoral forms.
She added: “People are only too aware of the struggle and sacrifice made down the years by the ordinary man and woman to win the right to vote.
“At different times in history, depending on gender, race, religion or social class whole sections of society have been excluded from this most basic of democratic rights.
“Here in Ireland, particularly in Derry, we’re only too aware of what it has meant to be denied the right to vote.”
Cllr Meehan said there were “very real possibilities” many people in the city would be disenfranchised and that this would further impact those who do not appear on the register in terms of availing of credit and mortgages services for example.
She added: “I would urge everyone in Derry to complete their forms in full. Where they haven’t received the forms or have any difficulty in completing the people should call the Electoral Office in Queen Street or their local Sinn Féin office for advice and assistance.”
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