Referendum in Ireland: the weather and turnout

EU Corruption blog has some interesting stats about the 2 referendums in Ireland on the Treaty of Nice in 2001 and 2002 – turnout was up from 34.79% in 2001 to 49.47% in 2002, and all of the increase was seen among Yes voters. The total number of votes cast for No remained constant.

So what are the implications for the vote this Thursday on the Treaty of Lisbon in Ireland? While it’s impossible to judge how many of those voting No at the start of the decade will do so again this time, the 2001 and 2002 experience does show the degree of motivation and determination to vote among No voters.

So – other than campaigning – what gets fickle (Yes) voters to the polling stations rather than staying at home? In UK elections good weather has an impact. According to RTÉ Weather Thursday promises to be cool but largely dry – not great but better than rain…