As a result of the Yes Equality campaign, thousands of first-time voters across the country registered to vote in a first step towards making their voices heard in next years’ marriage referendum.

The Yes Equality register to vote initiative wrapped up today with the passing of the deadline for entry to the 2015 register of electors. The campaign has helped tens of thousands more people get on the register. Events were held across the country on campuses and in town centres promoting voter registration.

On social media the Yes Equality Facebook page received over 20,000 followers in 3 weeks. In UCC over 3,700 people were registered to vote; in Trinity College 3,000 people and in Maynooth 2,500 people signed up in just a few examples of the initiative’s success.

Yes Equality has received personal endorsements from many celebrities, including Colin Farrell, Anjelica Houston, Hozier, The Script, Aidan Gillen, Christy Moore, Brendan Courtney, Dara O’Briain, Pamela Flood, Lorraine Keane and Duncan Casey. Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Tánaiste Joan Burton TD, Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin TD, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams TD, as well as from TDs Senators and councillors from right across the country have also endorsed the campaign.

The campaign was launched on November 3 in Cork with Joanne O’Riordan, of ‘No Limbs no Limits’ fame, and Kilkenny All-Ireland hurling champion Eoin Murphy.

Tiernan Brady of Yes Equality said, “The response from people right across the country has been amazing. Tens of thousands have registered to vote and thousands more have joined Yes Equality. The positive reaction bodes well for turnout at the upcoming referendum on civil marriage equality in 2015.”

“But registering to vote is only the first step. Next year will be a once-in-a-generation moment. The critical decisions about our futures are made by those who not only are registered, but who make their voices heard on polling day,” continued Brady

“There will be a further opportunity to register to vote once the date of the referendum is called. Between now and then, it is up to the tens of thousands of people energised by our voter initiative to begin the conversation with friends, families and loved ones as to why making their voices heard on polling day is so important,” concluded Brady