The 2025 Presidential Election in Ireland is fast approaching, with polling day set for Friday, 24 October 2025, between 7am and 10pm. This election will determine the next President of Ireland, as Michael D. Higgins' 14-year term concludes on 11 November 2025.
How to Register to Vote
To participate in the election, you must be registered to vote. The deadline to register is Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Here's how you can ensure you're on the electoral register:
Online Registration: Use your PPS number and Eircode to register or update your details. This process is quick and can be completed in under three minutes.
Postal Voting: If you're eligible for postal voting, applications must be submitted by Monday, 29 September 2025.
Special Circumstances: If you have no fixed address or are homeless, you can still register to vote. The Electoral Commission provides guidelines for such situations.
Who Can Vote
To vote in the Presidential Election, you must:
Be 18 years or older.
Be an Irish citizen.
Be registered on the electoral register.
If you're unsure about your registration status, it's advisable to check as soon as possible to avoid any issues on polling day.
How to Vote
On election day, head to your designated polling station, which will be open from 7am to 10pm. You'll need to bring photo identification, such as a passport or driver's licence, to receive your ballot paper.
Voting in Ireland is conducted using the single transferable vote (STV) system. This means you'll rank candidates in order of preference. If your first-choice candidate doesn't receive enough votes, your vote will transfer to your next preference, and so on, until all positions are filled.
Candidates in the 2025 Presidential Election
The election features three confirmed candidates:
Jim Gavin: Former Dublin GAA manager and Fianna Fáil candidate, known for his leadership in sports and community engagement.
Catherine Connolly: Independent TD for Galway, with support from Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats. She advocates for neutrality, equality, and justice.
Heather Humphreys: Fine Gael TD and former minister, promoting unity, diplomacy, and cultural representation.
The President of Ireland holds a significant role as the Head of State, representing the people both domestically and internationally. While the position is largely ceremonial, the President's duties include representing the people of Ireland at home and abroad, appointing the Taoiseach and other government officials, signing bills into law and serving as a figurehead for national unity and pride.
Remember, the deadline to register is 7 October 2025, and polling day is 24 October 2025.
