What if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake or you want to change your mind, simply press the preference button a second time. This will delete that preference and any other lower preferences on that ballot paper. You can then record your new choices.

If I leave the voting machine without pressing the “Cast Vote” button, can I return to press it?
The display screen on the voting machine will remind you to press the “Cast Vote” button and a notice will be placed near the machine to remind you to do so. Polling station staff may, if the opportunity arises, inform you that you have not pressed the “Cast Vote” button. After these reminders, if you still do not press the “Cast Vote” button, the polling station staff will de-activate the voting machine and you will not be permitted to use it again.

How do I know that my vote is recorded?
The display screen on the machine will inform you that your vote has been stored and the poll clerk at the voting machine will also be able to confirm that your vote has been recorded. They will hear an audible “bleep”, the display light on the control unit will go out and the number of votes cast will increase by one.

What happens to my vote?
When you press the “Cast Vote” button, the voting machine stores your vote in a ballot module. At the close of the poll, the ballot module is sent to the count centre where your votes, together with all the other votes from the constituency, will be counted electronically.

Will I be voting in private?
Yes. The machine will be positioned so that it faces a wall or screen giving the same level of privacy you had under the old system.

Can wheelchair users vote electronically?
Yes. The voting machine is wheelchair accessible.

What happens if there is a power failure?
In the event of a power failure, the voting machine will operate on a battery. Votes which have been cast are safe and will not be lost.

Language on the voting machine
There is a language preference button at the left of the display screen. If you wish to see the text in Irish or English, simply press the button. The text on the “Cast Vote” button is in both languages.

Can I get help if I need it?
Polling station staff will be there to help you and to explain how to operate the voting machine.

Don’t forget to press the “CAST VOTE” button when you have recorded all your preferences!