Litir um Thoghchán – Free Election Mail Service for Candidates

Litir um Thoghchán is a free election postal service provided by An Post. It allows election candidates to send one addressed mail item to every registered voter in their constituency at no cost. This service offers a direct and efficient way to distribute election literature and campaign information during elections.

Criteria for the acceptance of election post

An Post endeavours to arrange delivery of all Litir um Thoghchán in line with its statutory obligation to provide free postage. We apply the following criteria in deciding whether a Litir um Thoghchán is suitable for inclusion in the An Post free postage service:
 
An Post reserves the right to refuse to accept or deliver, any items which, in its reasonable opinion: 
 

1. are likely to cause embarrassment or distress to it, its employees or the person who will receive the item who may be a child; 
2. will harm, or are likely to harm, its reputation; 
3. are banned or restricted by law or by any regulations or guidelines; 
4. are dangerous; 
5. are or may be defamatory;
6. contains matter which does not relate to the election.

The above criteria are based on a consideration of provisions contained in the Electoral Acts, Irish postal legislation and Incitement to Hatred legislation and defamation laws.  The guidelines of the Electoral Commission are also considered relevant although the Electoral Commission supervisory powers extend only to online electoral communications.
 
It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that its communications do not infringe any applicable legal requirements and An Post reviews for the purposes of providing its free postage scheme only.

If you would like any further information on Litir um Thoghchán, you can contact us at ElectionTeam@anpost.ie