Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy. They give everyone a chance to have their say about how the country is run. But when elections are interfered with, it harms all of us. Some of the ways elections can be interfered with are:
false information
Intimidation
online abuse
In recent years, Ireland has seen worrying examples of this. After the Dublin riots in November 2023, there was a big rise in politically motivated harassment during the 2024 local and European elections.
Some candidates and volunteers were threatened or targeted simply for getting involved. Women and people from migrant backgrounds were especially affected.
This kind of behaviour doesn’t just frighten individuals - it can stop people from taking part in democracy, and it makes politics less fair and representative.
Social media plays a big part in this problem. False or misleading information spreads very easily online, often because it stirs up anger or fear. Sometimes it’s shared by mistake (misinformation), but sometimes it’s spread on purpose to cause harm or influence opinions (disinformation). Either way, it can divide communities, and create distrust in public life.
That’s why reporting election interference matters. It forces the platforms and regulators to act. By knowing our rights and how to take action, we can protect our democracy together.
When everyone feels safe and confident to take part, whether by voting, canvassing, or standing for election, we all benefit. Fair, respectful, and informed elections are good for Ireland.