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Checklist for Candidates
Dublin Central Bye-Election 22nd May 2026
Nominations Check List
The process of nominations is governed by the Electoral Act, 1992, as amended
(in particular as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2007)
General
- Nomination Forms are available on this website and from 54 Fitzwilliam Square North, Dublin 2 during usual office hours.
- Completed hardcopy nomination papers may be submitted to the Returning Officer at 54 Fitzwilliam Square North, Dublin 2 from: 10am Tuesday, 28th April until 12 noon on Friday, 1st May.
- The Office of the Returning Officer takes no responsibility for nominations not properly submitted before 12 noon Friday, 1st May, 2026.
- The latest time for withdrawals is 12 noon on Saturday, 2nd May, 2026.
- Nominations will be processed by appointment. To schedule an appointment email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 01 6759015
Requirements
Political Party
- A person may nominate himself/herself or be nominated by a registered elector in the constituency as Proposer.
- Declaration to be signed by Candidate or Proposer.
- Certificate of political affiliation.
- SIPO details of Candidate and Agent.
- A good quality digital photograph together with two identical printed copies 35mm X 45mm.
Non-Party
- Same as for Political Party Candidate but no need for certificate of political affiliation
- Deposit of €500 OR
- 30 Assents
- Each Assentor must be on the Electoral Register for the constituency.
- Each Assentor must complete a statutory declaration in the prescribed form which includes the polling number and polling district letters confirming his/her being on the register.
- Each Assentor will require photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence.
STRONG Recommendations:
- Please email a copy of the completed Nomination Papers to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 24 hours in advance of appointment. Do not arrange to submit the nomination papers on the last day as if there is a difficulty the Candidate may not have time to amend any defects. - In advance of the appointment with the Returning Officer, a Non-Party Candidate availing of the Assentor procedure should ensure that the 30 Statutory Declarations are completed by the Assentors at the Dublin City Council Office in the presence of an authorised official of the Registration Authority (Contact 01 2225010 to speak with a member of the Register of Electors Team or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This ensures that the process can be completed within the one hour available to the Returning Officer as set out by Statute.
Joseph Burke
Returning Officer
Information for Prospective Candidates 2026
Prospective candidates for the Dublin Central bye-election, being held on 22nd May 2026, can download the various forms required to register their nomination from the link below.
Candidate Nomination Forms for a Dáil Election
Please note that while these forms can be prepared in advance they cannot be accepted by the Returning Officer until the start of the official nomination period which will only be known when the election has been called. Details of the dates and times available for submission of nomination forms will be published on this website once known.
Voter Turnout - Presidential Election 2025
A copy of the polling schemes, including details of voter turnout, for the Dublin City constituencies is available by clicking on the links below. The polling scheme lists each polling place which was used in the Presidential Election on 24th October, 2025, and shows which portions of the electoral register are assigned to each polling place and the number of voters who voted in each place.
Work Applications
We may have a small number of vacancies for work at the forthcoming Bye-Election in Dublin Central which will be held on 22nd May 2026. You can apply by clicking on "Apply for Work" in the menu at the left hand side of this web page.
We will ONLY accept applications made through this website so please do not phone or write to us looking for work.
Persons campaigning for any candidate in the election are NOT ELIGIBLE to work for us on this election. This includes posts made on social media.
Privacy Statement
Returning Officer’s Privacy Statement
The Returning Officer for Dublin Bay South constituency is responsible under electoral law for the conduct of Dáil elections and for taking the poll and counting the votes at Presidential and European Parliament elections and referendums.
The Returning Officer is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This privacy statement explains how the Returning Officer, as the Data Controller, will process the personal data provided to him or her in respect of elections and referendums; how that information will be used, and what rights you may exercise in relation to your personal data.
The privacy statement may be viewed by clicking the following link.
Contact Us
You can contact us via any of the following methods.
PostDublin City Returning Officer.
54 Fitzwilliam Square,
Dublin 2.