Countdown to IFA national election count
For the first time, members received an election pack in the post and they also had the option to return their ballot by post.
Over 15,000 votes have been returned by post as branch voting comes to an end this week in the Irish Farmers' Association's presidential election.
All IFA branch AGMs have been completed, with 940 branches having met over the last three weeks to allow members to vote for the next president and deputy president of the IFA.
For the first time, members received an election pack in the post and they also had the option to return their ballot by post.
National returning officer Brian Rushe said that if anybody has not received their election pack or if it has been lost or damaged, they should contact their local office to seek a re-issued election pack.
"The closing date for receipt of completed ballots of Monday, December 11, is less than two weeks away. Members must return their ballots without delay to reach us before the national count, and because of increased volumes of post pre-Christmas," Mr Rushe said.
"The sooner members post their vote, the better."
Mr Rushe said every member "has the opportunity to influence" who will become the 17th IFA president.
"The stronger the mandate, the better equipped the next president will be to represent farmers over the next four years," he added.
Francie Gorman and Martin Stapleton are running for president, while Alice Doyle and Pat Murphy are running for deputy president.
The national count will be held on Tuesday, December 12, in the Castleknock Hotel.
The next president will take up office in January, 2024, replacing Tim Cullinan.
