Ireland’s presidential election is just days away, with voters heading to the polls to choose who will serve as the country’s head of state for the next seven years. Whether you’re voting for the first time or you just need a refresher, here’s what you need to know before polling day.
When and where you can vote
Polling day is Friday 24th October 2025, and voting takes place between 7:00am and 10:00pm across the country.
You’ll vote at your assigned polling station which is usually a nearby school, community hall or local hall. Your polling card is sent by post in advance and will list your specific polling location. If you haven’t received a card, you can still vote – just make sure you’re registered and bring appropriate ID.
How voting works
Ireland uses a Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for elections. It’s a ranked-choice system meaning you mark ‘1’ beside your first-choice candidate, then ‘2’ beside your second choice.
You don’t have to rank both candidates, but doing so means your vote will still count even if your first choice is eliminated.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of first preference votes, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated, and their votes are transferred based on next preferences. This process continues until one candidate passes the 50% mark.
Who is eligible to vote?
You can vote in the election if you are:
- An Irish citizen
- 18 years of age or older
- You are ordinarily a resident in the Republic of Ireland
- You are registered to vote
If you are unsure whether you’re registered, you can check at www.checktheregister.ie
The deadline for changes to the register has already passed for this election, so only those already registered will be able to vote.
You will need to bring a photo ID such as a drivers license, passport, public services card or student card when voting.
Why Jim Gavin will still be on the ballot
Though Jim Gavin, former Dublin GAA manager and Fianna Fail candidate, recently announced he is stepping back from campaigning, he will still appear on the ballot paper.
This is because the official nomination process has already closed. Once a candidate is validly nominated and accepted, their name cannot be removed, even if they stop actively campaigning or withdraw politically. Voters may still choose to give him a preference, and if he receives enough support transfers from his vote could still influence the result.
Why you should use your vote
The president may have a largely ceremonial role, but the position represents Ireland at home and abroad. The officeholder speaks for the people, signs bills into law and can refer bills to the Supreme Court.
Choosing the president is one of the few times Irish citizens directly elect a national figure. It’s an important democratic right and with significant issues like housing, neutrality, climate and national identity in public debate, casting your vote is one way to make your voice heard.
Low turnout means fewer people shape the outcome. Even if you’re not excited about any candidate, ranking your preferences still plays a role in how the final result is decided.
Final thoughts
Presidential elections in Ireland don’t come around very often – just once every seven years. So, check your polling station, bring your ID, and make a plan to vote this Friday. Even one vote can make a difference – and in a ranked system, every preference matters.
Let your voice be heard.