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Ireland Referendum: Polls open on family and care changes Ireland Referendum: Polls open on family and care changes
(about 8 hours later)
Polls for the twin referendums will open at 07:00 local time on FridayPolls for the twin referendums will open at 07:00 local time on Friday
Polls have opened in two referendums on changing Ireland's constitution regarding family and care.Polls have opened in two referendums on changing Ireland's constitution regarding family and care.
Voters are being asked if they wish to expand the definition of family to include those not based around marriages.Voters are being asked if they wish to expand the definition of family to include those not based around marriages.
They will also be asked if they wish to remove a reference to the role of women in the home, and put in one recognising care provided by family members.They will also be asked if they wish to remove a reference to the role of women in the home, and put in one recognising care provided by family members.
Polls opened at 07:00 local time and will close at 22:00 on Friday.Polls opened at 07:00 local time and will close at 22:00 on Friday.
The Irish Electoral Commission said 3.3m polling information cards were being delivered in advance of polling day.The Irish Electoral Commission said 3.3m polling information cards were being delivered in advance of polling day.
In order to vote, a person needs to be aged 18 or over, an Irish citizen, registered to vote and ordinarily reside in Ireland.In order to vote, a person needs to be aged 18 or over, an Irish citizen, registered to vote and ordinarily reside in Ireland.
The Irish government announced in December that the referendums would take place on International Women's Day.The Irish government announced in December that the referendums would take place on International Women's Day.
Turnout figures
Turnout across the country is low with polling stations said to be very quiet.
As of 12:30 on Friday, the turnout was reported as 4.5% in the Dublin North West constituency and 12.8% in Dublin Bay North, according to RTÉ, the national broadcaster.
Turnout is as low as 5% in some parts of county Donegal, rising to around 10% in Letterkenny and Donegal town.
Polls remain open until 22:00 for most of the country but have already closed on some coastal islands.
Counting gets under way at 09:00 on Saturday morning.
What are Irish voters being asked?What are Irish voters being asked?
At the polling stations on Friday, voters will be given two ballots - one white and one green.At the polling stations on Friday, voters will be given two ballots - one white and one green.
The white ballot will ask if voters want to accept or reject the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - otherwise known as the family amendment.The white ballot will ask if voters want to accept or reject the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - otherwise known as the family amendment.
This proposes inserting the words "whether founded on marriage or on other durable relationships" into the constitution.This proposes inserting the words "whether founded on marriage or on other durable relationships" into the constitution.
The current protection afforded to families under the constitution, as currently written, only extends to families built around a marriage.The current protection afforded to families under the constitution, as currently written, only extends to families built around a marriage.
However, if the amendment is passed, different family units would have the same constitutional rights and protections.However, if the amendment is passed, different family units would have the same constitutional rights and protections.
If rejected, the current wording will remain the same.If rejected, the current wording will remain the same.
Voters will also receive a green ballot. This refers to the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - or the care amendment.Voters will also receive a green ballot. This refers to the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - or the care amendment.
This amendment proposes to delete wording which references the role of women in the home.This amendment proposes to delete wording which references the role of women in the home.
It also proposes inserting the following wording with gender-neutral language: "The state recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision."It also proposes inserting the following wording with gender-neutral language: "The state recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision."
Irish votes on gender and family to be held in MarchIrish votes on gender and family to be held in March
In the Republic of Ireland, a referendum must be held if the government wishes to change something in the Irish constitution.In the Republic of Ireland, a referendum must be held if the government wishes to change something in the Irish constitution.
The constitution, known as Bunreacht na hÉireann, was first ratified in 1937 but has seen many changes over the years, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2015 and the repeal of the country's abortion ban in 2018.The constitution, known as Bunreacht na hÉireann, was first ratified in 1937 but has seen many changes over the years, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2015 and the repeal of the country's abortion ban in 2018.
Counting for the twin referendums will begin on Saturday morning.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Family & EducationFamily & Education
Republic of IrelandRepublic of Ireland
WomenWomen