Launch of Migrant Voters Campaign
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne launched a new initiative by the Office for Integration Dublin City Council on Oct 7th at the Mansion House. This new and innovative project will raise awareness amongst migrants resident in the city on their right to vote, the need to register to vote and the how to vote on election day.
The Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne said, “Our city is enriched by those who have chosen to live and work here. It is important that all their voices are heard so that together we can create a vibrant city for the 21st century.”
According to Kazik Anhalt from Poland who represents the Federation of Polish Organisations “ It is important that from a social inclusion perspective that migrants are informed of their right to vote and this collaborative approach between the City Council and the migrant community is the best way to do it”.
The initiative will be promoted with a focused advertising campaign within migrant communities in tandem with a general awareness campaign stressing the importance of registering to vote by 1st Nov 2008 during European Democracy week commencing 6th Oct 2008.
Download a Voters Registration Form here.
Watch the RTE News report on how migrants are learning about their right to vote
Voting Posters in 14 Languages (Phase 2 - 2009)
Posters include representation of a number of cultural communities and are available in 14 languages listed below for download (PDF format):
The iniative included the launch of promotional materials targeted at new communities highlighting voter registration for the local elections. Posters include representation of a number of cultural communities and are available in 26 languages listed below for download (PDF format):
The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, is on board to provide voter education training to 75 members of ethnic minority communities. Following completion of a one day training course these 75 trainers will in turn set out to deliver a programme of voters education sessions across the city in local community centres and places of worship used by migrants.
The initiative is an action consistent with the City Council commitment to promote integration in the city in partnership with migrant networks as set out in the recently launched strategy “Towards Integration, A City Framework.”
For more information contact:
Gerry Folan (DCC, Office For Integration) PH: 086 8150972
Kazik Anhalt (Polish Federation of Organisations) PH: 0870512055
Monica-Ann Brennan (Integrating Ireland) PH: 0879610897
