Voting closes in referendums over changes to Constitution
By Cillian Sherlock and Jonathan McCambridge, PA
Voting has finished in referendums on proposed changes to the Constitution in Ireland.
Polling stations across the country closed at 10pm in the votes on whether to change the wording of the Constitution relating to the areas of family and care.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina voted at their polling station at St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park on Friday.
It is the first time Mr Higgins has been seen in public since he was discharged from hospital on Thursday.
Mr Higgins, 82, was admitted to St James’ Hospital in Dublin last Thursday evening after experiencing a “mild transient weakness”.
After a seven-night stay, he returned to his official residence, Aras an Uachtarain, on Thursday.
Polls opened on Friday morning on the twin referendums.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheal Martin and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also voted in the referendums.
🗳️This is referendum day. I've just voted YES, YES at St Anthony's Boys National School to the two proposals that are before us. To have a more inclusive family definition in our Constitution. To remove the archaic language in terms of women on our Constitution. pic.twitter.com/MFTIjKbtde
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 8, 2024
The family amendment proposes extending the meaning of family beyond one defined by marriage and to include those based on “durable” relationships.
The care amendment proposes deleting references to a woman’s roles and duties in the home, and replacing it with a new article that acknowledges family carers.
The Constitution is the fundamental legal document for the country and can only be changed with the approval of citizens through a national vote.
The campaigns have led to national debates over the role of women in the home, what responsibility the State has for care and the meaning of family.
The Irish Government campaigned for a yes vote in both amendments. It says the changes will remove sexist language, recognise family care and extend protection to families not based on marriage.
President and Sabina Higgins have cast their votes in today’s referendums pic.twitter.com/to8yIuKjAx
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 8, 2024
The result of the referendums, which are decided by majority, are expected on Saturday.
Counting of the ballots happens at a constituency basis at various centres around the country.
However, the overall national result will be declared at Dublin Castle.
The family amendment will be counted and declared first.
The results for the care amendment will not be processed until the family count is finished.
