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IT’S PROBABLY NOT a good idea to take a ‘selfie’ in the polling station when you head to vote tomorrow.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said taking a photo as you vote could be breach of the secrecy of the voting process.
The Department’s highlighting this section of the relevant legislation, before the polls open tomorrow at 7am…
Section 106(4) of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 and Regulation 98(4) of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provide that it is an offence to breach the secrecy of the ballot.
It follows a warning to UK voters yesterday from the Electoral Commission, which said that anyone who inadvertantly reveals how someone else votes in the European or local elections could face a fine of £5,000 or six months in prison.
Staff at polling stations there have been urged to put up ‘no photography’ signs.
“We have told staff that if they see anyone taking a photograph they should ask the person to delete it but not try to wrestle the phone out of their hands,” an electoral services manager at an East of England local authority told the BBC.
The practise has gained popularity in recent months, with even the likes of Barack Obama (and Michelle) Obama getting involved.
It seems the political selfie has also become an essential aspect of any Irish political gathering.
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Wow that is such a heartbreaking article to read.
My sincere condolences to the little girls family. RIP sweetheart
Deepest darkest nightmare scenario for any parents. Heartbreaking.
Omg thats so sad and very difficult for the mother in law.I hope she comes to terms with it and someday realise it wasn’t her fault.
That was a hard read. That poor girl. Tragic.
That poor mother, and also the person who made the blinds. Despite it being in no way her fault, I imagine – if it were me – she’s feeling a huge amount of pain too. As a mother, I don’t know how other mothers go on functioning after losing a child, other than for the remaining children. Absolutely heartbreaking
I’d have no blinds or anything with a cord dangling around the place now, for a stupid decoration it just isn’t worth it. They took preventative measures but it wasn’t enough, poor child.
Make it compulsory to have a safety latch.
@Simon Peters: there was a safety latch. The child strangled on the cord a the back of the blind that they never imaged would be a problem. No dangling cords no carelessness. Just a tragic accident and very sad.
I teach sewing and knitting. I will not allow anything to be made in class with a cord longer than 15cm. Ever! Even if it’s only for a hope with no kids. None negotiable.
But there are many blogs and sites that show how to make these projects and don’t cover the risks.
I always remember ‘Thats life’ on BBC in the 1990s covering the risks.
Tragic, tragic situation.
Tragic accident made even worse by the ” are we to blame” undertone in the words coming from the mother. How can any parent have anticipated such a thing happening and taken proactive steps to ensure it didnt. Horrible tragedy. No one is to blame.
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