Moves to help nursing home residents cast vote at elections

COUNCILLORS agreed a motion to facilitate voting by residents of nursing homes during elections, but it raised the question of whether similar accommodations can be made for hospital patients. 

Cllr Teresa Costello tabled a motion at a Tallaght Area Committee meeting last week, where she asked for measures to be implemented for nursing home residents to vote.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Costello said: “I feel that these are our residents, these are our constituents, and they [should] never be forgotten about just because they’re in a home.”

The motion was roundly supported by her council colleagues, with the chairperson of the meeting, Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) pointing out that Kiltipper Woods Nursing Home already has a system in place.

“I think it’s great that we would highlight that particular need,” Cllr O’Connor said at the meeting.

“In fairness, I would take the view that Kiltipper Woods has traditionally been the best for delivering with these issues.

“They’ve had a process in place for several years, and they do this exactly as the report states and facilitate the council in doing that.”

The report Cllr O’Connor referred to is the response the council provided to Cllr Costello’s motion, where they outlined action that has already been taken to facilitate voting for nursing home residents.

The council said nursing home residents are classed as ‘special voters’, and as such aren’t required to attend polling stations in person.

Instead, a member of the Sheriff’s Office attends the nursing home the day before polling day to assist residents in casting their votes.

Cllr Cathal King (SF) voiced his support for the motion, but added that special provisions should also be made for hospital patients who wish to cast their votes.

“This also raises the issues of people that are in hospital as well,” said Cllr King.

“I know it’s not a discussion for the chamber, it’s a discussion for Leinster House, but it does raise the issue of people who are in hospital . . . for longer periods of time.

“They should be able to have the opportunity to vote as well in a similar way that nursing homes are dealt with.”

He added: “I remember, one election, a gentleman that I knew from Cushlawn – unfortunately he’s passed away now – but he’d had a heart attack and was in hospital for a couple of days.

“He ended up getting a taxi out of the hospital and up to Sacred Heart school to vote, and that shouldn’t have to happen.

“There should be some way of facilitating people. We do have to make sure we give our elderly residents and ill residents an opportunity to vote.”