In the last General Election 72 ballot papers in Waterford were rejected because they were not stamped.
The unstamped ballots were among 400 spoiled votes in the Waterford constituency.
Niall Rooney says on Saturday when you go to cast your vote you should check to make sure the official mark is on your ballot paper which should be perforated with a letter at the top..
If it's not your vote will not be counted.
Mr. Rooney told WLR News "When you are issued with the ballot paper, check very carefully on the top right hand corner to see that the official
mark has been put on it by the presiding officer. Now we had a problem with the last general election where there were 72 votes spoilt because this
did not happen. I have done training with the presiding officers and I have emphasised the importance of this and I will take very tough action
against any defaulters in that because it deprives a person of their franchise right.
While polling cards have been issued to all voters they are not needed for you to cast the vote.
But you may be asked for photographic ID, so bring a passport, driving licence or ID card with you when you go to your local polling station.
In order to vote, you must be over 18 and registered. You are not automatically registered to vote when you turn 18. Eligibility in different types of elections depends on your citizenship. Irish citizens can vote in every election and referendum, British citizens can vote in Dáil, European and local elections, EU citizens can vote in European and local elections and non-EU citizens can vote in local elections.
To check if you are registered to vote, visit www.checktheregister.ie. Select your local authority, and enter your townland, street, or Eircode.
If you are registered to vote, your name will appear along with your polling station and booth.
