Voter Turnout Plummets Below 40% in Presidential Election

UPDATE: Voter turnout in the presidential election is projected to hit a historic low, with reports indicating that many polling stations across the country are recording numbers below 40%. As polling stations close at 10 PM today, early figures suggest that national turnout could fall below the 43.9% recorded in the 2018 election.

Polling officials will not release the final figures until Saturday, but immediate reports show stark discrepancies in voter participation across regions. By 6 PM, numerous counties had turnout rates in the low to mid-20s, with Kildare North barely reaching 30%. In contrast, Darver in Co Louth is reporting one of the highest turnouts at 73%.

Rural areas are particularly struggling, with Birr in Offaly seeing turnout as low as 26% and Drumgallagh National School in Co Mayo only managing a dismal 16%. Dublin City has recorded turnout at 38.12%, while the Roscommon-Galway constituency ranges from 30.8% in Ballaghaderreen to 55.36% in South Roscommon.

The leaders of the two major campaigns, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, exhibited strong local support, with turnout in their home counties of Galway and Monaghan notably higher than national averages. Connolly voted at Claddagh National School this morning with her son, urging voters on social media to recognize the importance of their choice, stating, “The choice is now in your hands. Use that power.”

Humphreys, voting at Killeevan National School, expressed gratitude for her granddaughter’s assistance and acknowledged the efforts of polling station workers nationwide. Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins cast his vote alongside his wife at St Mary’s Hospital in Dublin, reflecting on the significance of electoral participation.

As turnout struggles to match expectations, Art O’Leary, chief executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, expressed hope that the turnout would at least match the previous election’s figures. He emphasized the importance of every voter exercising their franchise in these critical times.

In a troubling incident, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald faced harassment while canvassing in Dublin, where she and her team were verbally abused by a man who threatened violence. Authorities were called to the scene around 4 PM, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the election.

With voter turnout figures indicating a potential historical low, the implications for political engagement and future elections loom large. As results are awaited, the nation remains on edge, with many questioning the factors leading to this unprecedented lack of participation. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.