Deputy Brendan Smith handing in his nomination papers on last Thursday morning at Cavan Courthouse, accompanied by Fergal Curtain and on the right of the desk is the Returning Officer for the Constituency, Joe Smith; Nora Rafferty, Election Officer and Brian Clarke, Election Officer.Photo: Sean McMahon

Nominations close for General Election candidates today

Nominations close at 12 noon today (Saturday) for candidates seeking to run in the General Election later this month.

The past few days were busy at Cavan Courthouse with several candidates handing in their nomination papers.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has appointed Friday, November 29, 2024, as polling day. Votes will be cast at polling stations between the hours of 7am and 10pm.

To stand for election to Dáil Éireann, a candidate must be a citizen of Ireland and at least 21 years of age by polling day.

A person may nominate himself or herself as a candidate or, with his or her consent, may be nominated by a person who is registered as an elector in the constituency concerned.

A candidate not in possession of a certificate of political affiliation (confirmation that a person is a candidate of a political party registered in the Register of Political Parties) must have their nomination completed using either of the following options:

- By way of assents requiring the completion of statutory declarations by 30 assentors (registered electors) in the relevant Dáil constituency

- Or by way of the candidate, or someone on his or her behalf, lodging a deposit of €500 with the returning officer.

The latest time for receiving nominations is 12 noon today, Saturday, November 16.

Candidates may withdraw their nominations up to 12 noon on Monday 18 November 2024.

Every person who is an Irish or British citizen and is included in the register of electors is entitled to vote at the General Election; over 3.5 million people are currently entitled to vote at Dáil elections.