A Laois county Councillor has called for changes in the process involved to enable those with a disability or an illness to vote in elections.
Fianna Fail Councillor John Joe Fennelly brought forward the issue at a recent meeting of Laois County Council.
Presently, voters seeking a postal vote due to illness or disability have to have their application form certified by a medical practitioner.
This incurs a fee and Cllr Fennelly believes that this should be replaced with an alternative means of approval.
Cllr Fennelly said: “I don’t believe that anyone who wants to cast their vote in Ireland should have to pay for it.
“Surely this could be certified by their carer or the peace commissioner in their area.
“There has to be a simpler solution than going to a doctor and incurring a fee of somewhere around €60.”
Cllr Fennelly received support on the issue from his fellow Councillors.
Cllr Willie Aird called on a letter to be sent to the three Laois TDs and the Minister responsible.
He said: “This must be addressed as it is totally unfair. We want to encourage people to vote and take part in elections – not discourage them.”
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