The Electoral Office in Belfast won’t reopen to allow football fans a postal vote on May 5 while they go their holidays.
Anyone wishing to make a postal vote had until Tuesday April 12, two days before Braga visited Ibrox, to make that request.
Last Thursday night some Ibrox fans realised that they would be on their travels on election day, May 5, when RB Leipzig visit Ibrox, and appealed for the rules to be changed.
Some eager to please politicians took their case to the Electoral Office but that door was closed as they were reminded that legislation is legislation.
The Belfast Telegraph reports:
The DUP has joined calls for the Electoral Office to reopen the window for people to sign up for postal and proxy votes.
It follows Rangers’ run to the Europa League semi-finals, with their second leg against German side RB Leipzig falling on May 5, the same day as the Assembly election.
Yesterday, the Electoral Office said there would be no last-minute reprieve for fans heading to the game who face missing out on the chance to vote.
Chief electoral officer Virginia McVea said reopening the window for postal or proxy vote applications would require a change in legislation, which is not possible.
She confirmed correspondence had been received urging a change to the deadline after concerns were raised by TUV Upper Bann candidate Darrin Foster.
The match from Ibrox will be shown live on BT Sport allowing fans to vote and watch the game on the same day.
Oh dear I can see them heading to George Square to vent their anger as they need to blame somebody fir not getting their own way.