A review by An Coimisiún Toghcháin of the conduct of the Seanad elections last January has made a number of recommendations to improve the electoral process for the upper house.
Chief among those is a recommendation to introduce a supplementary register ahead of the next election.
Unlike Dáil elections, current law does not allow for a supplementary Seanad register, meaning there is one fixed deadline that people must be registered by or risk missing out on their Seanad vote.
The review also recommends improved checks on the register of electors to ensure accuracy.
The Comisiún said issues with incorrect addresses and deceased electors remaining on the register likely contribute to perceived low turnouts.
Another recommendation is for the inclusion of a standardised stamp or watermark on all ballot papers before they are issued and amending legislation to allow individuals decline a nomination or withdraw their own nomination.
It also recommends all announcements in count centres are delivered in English, Irish and Irish Sign language and a review of procedure regarding the delivery of Seanad ballot papers by registered post.
The Seanad with its 60 members has a unique electoral system.
Six senators are elected by the Higher Education constituency and 43 through vocational panels, with only TDs, outgoing Senators and local councillors entitled to vote.
The remaining 11 are nominated by the taoiseach of the day.
The upper house has constitutionally defined roles in the consideration and passing of legislation and initiating bills.
