Roscommon Women's Network hosting voter education workshop
The counting process at the Hyde Centre following the last local elections. Pic. Gerard O'Loughlin
Roscommon Women’s Network is hosting a voter education workshop in Castlerea on Tuesday, April 16th from 10.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m..
The Active Citizenship Voter Education workshop is being run in association with See Her Elected, the award-winning Government funded project, which supports women from rural areas to become candidates in local elections.
The workshop is aimed at increasing knowledge about the democratic process, voting rights, and the responsibilities of local government. Roscommon Women’s Network has appealed to a diverse group of women including migrant women, Traveller woman and Irish women to attend the upcoming workshop.
Nora Fahy, Manager of RWN remarked: “In a year of referendums, local and European elections and possibly a general election before end of the year, many of the women from diverse communities we work with have highlighted a need and desire to increase their awareness around what’s happening in Irish politics. We are delighted to be collaborating with the SHE programme to support RWN in meeting this need, sharing their vast knowledge and experience while providing all the information women need to make informed decisions.”
Workshop topics will include a brief history of voting in Ireland, reasons to vote, types of elections and voting rights, and the services Local Government provides. It will answer questions such as what local councillors do and who can become a councillor. It will explain the major political parties, the Irish electoral system, how to register to vote, issues related to the Local elections in June 2024 and how to decide who to vote for.
This workshop aims to equip women with essential knowledge about the democratic process, voting rights, and the responsibilities of local government and is being led by Liliana Fernandez, an expert in diversity and inclusion in politics.
A video commissioned by See Her Elected which explains how the PR-STV voting system in Ireland works will also feature as part of the workshop. The video has been translated into Polish, Arabic and Portuguese. An Arabic translator will be there too to ensure everyone enjoys the day to the fullest.
The Active Citizenship Voter Education will take place in The Hub, Castlerea (Eircode F45AC96) on Tuesday, April 16th from 10.30 a.m.-1 p.m. followed by light refreshments. The event is free of charge but registration is required in advance by phoning 094 9621690.
