In this insightful interview, Niall discusses the correct way to vote with John McGuirk, an expert in Irish politics and the Editor at Gript Media. With the local and European elections approaching, many listeners have reached out for guidance on how to effectively use their vote.

John breaks down the Irish electoral system, known as “proportional representation; single transferable vote”, and offers practical advice on how to make the most of your vote. From understanding the ballot paper to the significance of ranking candidates, John provides valuable insights into the voting process.

Key Points Covered:

Explanation of the “proportional representation; single transferable vote” system.

How to correctly fill out your ballot paper and rank candidates.

The importance of using all of your preferences when voting.

Understanding that every preference on your ballot paper is potentially as strong as a number one vote.

Why your ranking of candidates matters and how it affects the election outcome.

Acknowledging that people you may not agree with will be elected.

The significance of voting honestly and not tactically to make the electoral system work for you.

If you want to make sure your vote counts, this episode is a must-listen before heading to the polls.