The Irish Refugee Advisory Board urges refugees and asylum seekers to make their voices heard in the local elections

The Irish Refugee Advisory Board is calling on those from a refugee and/or asylum seeker background to register to vote ahead of the local elections on Friday June 7th.  

The Electoral Act (1992) states that any adult ordinarily resident here has the right to vote in local elections, and this applies to all adults regardless of how recently they have arrived to Ireland.  

For refugees who have lived in Ireland for many years, or asylum seekers who have just arrived and who carry the hope of making Ireland their home, this is a great opportunity to participate in the democratic process.  

For those who come from countries where democracy is fragile, and where institutions are weak, casting a vote can be a complex, uncertain, and sometimes, even a dangerous act. The Refugee Advisory Board is keen to reassure refugees and asylum seekers that voting in Ireland carries no such threat. Your vote will count and will be counted, and the privacy of your vote is respected.  

Now more than ever, it is important that the voices of those seeking refuge in Ireland are heard. Having a say in how Ireland is governed, and encouraging strong and effective leadership at  local level is a great way of supporting integration and inclusion in communities right across the country.  

“Voting is the most effective way to make our voices heard. When we vote we not only express our opinions, visions, ideas, values, but also our dreams and hopes. Don’t waste this golden opportunity. Do the right thing and get up and vote!” 

- Marlon Jimenez-Compton, RAB Board Member 

“Refugees and asylum seekers have been shaken by recent events and the tone of the debate in Ireland. In my work I am reaching out to these communities through voter education workshops, encouraging people to participate in elections and even to consider running for election themselves”.   

- Siphiwe Moyo, RAB Board Member 

Register to vote by the deadline, Monday May 20th and make sure your voice is heard! 

For media enquires or interviews requests contact:  

Aoife Kavanagh, Snr External Relations Associate, UNHCR: [email protected] 

OR 

Aoife Harte, Snr. External Relations Officer, UNHCR: [email protected]