The government of Ireland held referendums on 22 May 2015 on two proposed amendments to the Constitution of Ireland which had been recommended by the Constitutional Convention.[1] The amendment to permit same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland was approved by 62%-38% of the voters.[2] The other amendment would have reduced the age of candidacy for the President of Ireland from 35 to 21, but voters rejected it by 73%-27%. A Dáil by-election in Carlow–Kilkenny was held on the same day.[2] Other amendments were considered but not proceeded with, including reducing the voting age from 18 to 16, and sanctioning the establishment of a Unified Patent Court.[3][4]
Voters were asked whether to add to the Constitution that "marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex".[5] The proposal was supported by the Government as well as all major political parties,[6][7][8] and was approved by 62.07% of voters.[9]
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,201,607 | 62.07 |
No | 734,300 | 37.93 |
Valid votes | 1,935,907 | 99.29 |
Invalid or blank votes | 13,818 | 0.71 |
Total votes | 1,949,725 | 100.00 |
Registered voters/turnout | 3,221,681 | 60.52 |
Voters rejected a proposal to reduce the age of eligibility to run for president from 35 to 21 by a 73% to 27% margin.[10]
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
No | 1,412,602 | 73.06 |
Yes | 520,898 | 26.94 |
Valid votes | 1,933,500 | 99.18 |
Invalid or blank votes | 15,938 | 0.82 |
Total votes | 1,949,438 | 100.00 |
Registered voters/turnout | 3,221,681 | 60.52 |