"Some voters (or rather non-voters) have today been spoiling their votes for several reasons, including in protest at a perceived lack of diversity of candidates, or distaste for those on the ballot. There has also been a campaign led by businessman and former election candidate Declan Ganley urging people to spoil their vote because pro-life campaigner Maria Steen didn't get on the ticket. Some defacing their ballots and posting them on social media have made reference to the alleged sexual assault of a girl near Citywest that sparked several nights of rioting and for which a man is before the courts."
"And a selection also carried abusive messages directed at mainstream politicians and repeated far-right talking points around international protection applicants. Here are some of the milder examples that have so far been posted on social media."
Some voters have deliberately spoiled ballots for multiple reasons, including protest at a perceived lack of candidate diversity and distaste for those on the ballot. A campaign led by businessman and former candidate Declan Ganley urged people to spoil votes after pro-life campaigner Maria Steen was excluded from the ticket. Some spoiled ballots referenced the alleged sexual assault of a girl near Citywest, an incident that sparked rioting and remains before the courts. Other spoilt papers carried abusive messages aimed at mainstream politicians and repeated far-right talking points about international protection applicants. Several examples have been shared on social media.
Read at Irish Independent
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