Campaign sought in Cork to inform families how to remove names of deceased voters

Cork County Council has been urged to launch a media campaign to inform voters how to remove the names of deceased people from the electoral register.

In a motion at a recent council meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan requested that Cork County Council run a campaign on local radio and print media calling for people to submit information on loved ones who have passed away and still get a polling card, with a view to the council using this information to update the register of electors.

Currently, the removal of the name of a deceased loved one from the register can be done by contacting the council’s franchise section by email or letter. However, Mr Donovan told The Echo that many people are not aware of this process.

“As public representatives, after an election, we would often get calls and messages from constituents saying ‘we got mom or dad’s polling card posted to the family home’ or someone might be after passing away,” said Mr Donovan. 

“It is very upsetting for families when the polling cards come in and they see a loved one who is no longer with them.”

He added that, in response to his motion, the council has said it is working with the Electoral Commission on tidying up the register of electors.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council told The Echo: “Franchise staff are currently engaged in data cleansing in preparation for the new national online register of electors to be rolled out by Dublin City Council and the LGMA [Local Government Management Agency] in 2026.

“In addition, the register of electors is being updated based on amendment sheets submitted by the electorate over recent months, the majority of which relate to deceased family members.

“Once these amendments have been made (Quarter 1, 2026), consideration can be given to issuing a press release and initiating a social media campaign,” the councillor said.