A campaign is being launched today which could see tens of thousands of members of ethnic communities register to vote in next year's local elections.
The campaign, organised by the Africa Centre and New Community Partnership, is part of a wider campaign which includes voter education, and also a call to engage and participate in the 2009 local elections, be it as a voter or a candidate.
Inspired by the work done by people such as former mayor of Portlaoise, Rotimi Adebari, this campaign will highlight the fact that with ethnic minority communities making up 10% of the population, their potential as a political force is clear.
The campaign is specifically appealing to people resident in Ireland for six months before 25 February 2009 to get a voting card.
Already, ten members of various immigrant communities have announced their intention to win a council seat in next year's elections.
This campaign aims to provide correct and clear information on their voters' rights through posters, leaflets and public information sessions nationwide, and also to link with local, city and town councils, trade unions, employers, third level institutions.
This is the first of two campaigns - after registering as many people to vote in next year's elections as possible, the organisers will next year encourage people to actually get out and cast their vote.
