Waterford City and County Council launches Election Hub ahead of Local Elections 2024

• This is the first dedicated election hub to be rolled out by a local authority in Ireland 
• Designed by Waterford City and County Council’s GIS and Data Transformation team the hub provides real time information on local and European elections.
• Providing key elections information such as assigned polling stations and local electoral area maps to make the voting process easier
• The hub was built using the council’s geographical information system (ArcGIS by ESRI) and is updated daily from the Register of Electors database 

Waterford City and County Council recently launched a dedicated Elections Hub site.

The online hub Waterford Elections 2024 provides real time information ahead of the upcoming local and European elections.

The site contains information about the local and European elections, details of Waterford’s six electoral areas, along with information about voting eligibility.

This, the first dedicated election hub to be rolled out by a local authority in Ireland, was designed by Waterford City and County Council’s GIS and Data Transformation team, 

Commenting on the launch of the hub, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is an informative, accessible, and easy-to-use resource that will answer the questions Waterford’s electorate is asking.

“It offers provides key information in the run up to the elections such as information about directions to assigned polling stations and local electoral area maps which will prove very useful and make the voting process easier.”

Jon Hawkins, Waterford City and County Council GIS Lead, explains the premise of the hub. 

“Waterford Election hub was built using the council’s geographical information system (ArcGIS by ESRI) and is updated daily from the Register of Electors database using its data integration and data enrichment platform, FME by Safe Software.

“Not only will it provide residents and voters with relevant ballot information before they cast their vote, but the design also aims to increase voter participation as it helps voters find their assigned polling station so they can easily cast their vote on the day.”

Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services and Returning Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “The hub will continue to update and evolve over the coming months.   Once the election polling day is announced by the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Waterford City and County Council will publish notice inviting nominations, which when approved, will be added to the hub.

“This information will include the name and address of the candidate and the electoral area in which they are running.  In total, candidates will contest for 32 seats across six local electoral areas in Waterford city and county.”

The hub can be used to access information such as: 

Locate my Polling Station: This application helps you locate your assigned Polling Station by entering your Eircode.

Local Electoral Area Map: View the extent of each individual Electoral Area within Waterford City and County on desktop, tablet, or smart phone. 

Voting and Registration FAQs: Comprehensive list of common questions you may be asking before an election or casting your ballot.

Who are my Councillors: By simply entering your Eircode you will be informed about what electoral area you live within and details of current local, national and European Elected representatives (updated when Notice of Poll date closing date has passed).

Election Results: Explore certified results as they become available.

The mayor added, “I would encourage all those registered to vote to exercise that right.  It’s your voice that will shape the outcome of the local and European elections in June.”

Find out more about the upcoming local and European elections at Waterford Elections 2024 at www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

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