Ms Justice Marie Baker

An Coimisiún Toghcháin today published a research report and a recommendations paper on the inclusion of candidate’s addresses on ballot papers amid concerns about candidates’ safety and privacy.

Under the Electoral Act 1992, candidates seeking to run for election to the Dáil must provide an address on the nomination paper, which is subsequently published on the ballot paper. This is replicated in legislation underpinning other elections.

The research report identifies some specific proposals for change with a view to retaining the benefits of requiring a candidate’s address while addressing the safety and privacy concerns of candidates.

Having considered the report, An Coimisiún Toghcháin has recommended that there should be a break in the automatic link between the address provided on the nomination paper for verification purposes and the address to appear on ballot papers and in other public places.

Nomination papers should require two addresses, it says, one which is exclusively for administration and verification purposes, and another which will appear on the ballot paper and on public notices.

The public address should either be the full address, a partial address, or the area in which the address is located, i.e. the local electoral area of electoral division.

The research report also includes other proposals to ensure the integrity of the nomination and electoral process, and specifically urges that provisions should be made to facilitate candidates experiencing homelessness similar to those set out in section 84 the Electoral Reform Act 2022.

Ms Justice Marie Baker, chairperson of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, said: “I am delighted today that we publish this research report, and I commend to the minister and to government recommendations arising from our deliberations.

“An Coimisiún notes with disquiet the evidence in the report regarding harassment, abuse or intimidation directed at electoral candidates, public representatives and their staff and families.

“While we recommend changes to ballot paper address requirements as a response to concerns on these issues, we believe the issue requires a broader response and would encourage all relevant stakeholders to reflect and take appropriate action, as these threats are an affront to the health of our democracy.”

Art O’Leary, the watchdog’s chief executive, said: “The requirement for candidates to provide an address has been part of our democratic tradition since before the foundation of the State.

“For generations, it has stood as a symbol of openness and accountability — a reminder that those who seek public office do so in full view of the people they wish to serve.

“Having listened to the voices of political actors, candidates and their families, and looked carefully at how candidates’ addresses are shared and used, An Coimisiún believes that these proposed reforms honour both our tradition and the real world in which we now live.

“They safeguard the integrity of the nomination process, they ensure that voters continue to have the information they need, and they reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by today’s candidates.

“In this way, we continue to strengthen our democracy — protecting not only the right to vote, but also the courage of those who stand before the people.”