'Ploughing ahead' for the Great Potato Vote expected to be 'a mash hit' in Screggan

Keep your eyes peeled at the Ploughing for An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission who will be on site running Ireland’s first ever PR STV vote for the nation’s favour style of potato.

The Ploughing potato vote will be baked into An Coimisiún’s presidential election voter registration and information drive this week at what is the largest outdoor event in Europe.

An Coimisiún will be onsite at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore from 16-18 September chipping away at people who may not be registered to vote in the upcoming Presidential election on Friday October 24.

With over 250,000 people expected to attend across the three days, this is an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with potential voters, from all corners of the country, rural and urban alike.

An Coimisiún’s team will be a-peeling to attendees to get registered at CheckTheRegister.ie and answering questions about voting ahead of the Presidential election. An Coimisiún’s stand is located at: Stand 290, Row 15, Block 3.

READ NEXT: Experience the Roll Over Simulator at the Road Safety Authority stand at the Ploughing in Offaly

An Coimisiún will be running a mock election to educate people about the voting process. The vote will not be on any candidates, however, but on a much more difficult decision for Irish people – the best way to prepare potatoes. Help us settle the Great Potato Debate and pick your potato champion! There will be other games and prizes, including karaoke, as well.

Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin stated: “Our objective is to engage, educate, and raise awareness about democracy ahead of the upcoming Presidential vote on October 24. With over 200,000 people expected to attend across the three days, the Ploughing is an extraordinary opportunity to meet all kinds of people, from all corners of the country.

“Democracy is about participating, it’s about belonging, and it’s about community – all of which are at the heart of the Ploughing.

“We expect our Ploughing mock election for your favourite style of potato to be a mash hit!”

RED NEXT: 'Keeping You Safe' wristband initiative returns to Ploughing in Offaly