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Voting at an election

You can vote in three ways. Find out what you need to do when you go to vote on election day, and how you can vote by post or proxy (someone voting for you) if you can't get to the polling station.

Registering to vote

To vote in Northern Ireland elections and referendums, you must be on the electoral register (the list of eligible voters). Find out more in 'Registering to vote'.

How to vote at a polling station

You can vote at a local polling station – usually a nearby school or hall. You'll get a poll card before the election, telling you where and when to vote. Polling stations are open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm.

When voting at a polling station in Northern Ireland you are required to present acceptable photographic identification. The poll card will tell you the types of photographic identification that will be accepted or you can check the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) website.

The identity document does not need to be current.

Electoral Identity Cards

One of the types of acceptable photographic identification is an Electoral Identity Card. It is the same size as a credit card and you can apply for a free Electoral Identity Card from your local Area Electoral Office. A Braille version is available for blind and visually impaired voters. To obtain a card you must be listed on the Electoral Register, or have applied to be registered.

When you go to vote, the staff will check your name and address and photographic ID and give you a ballot paper. Read the ballot paper carefully. It will list the parties and candidates you can vote for, and tell you how to cast your vote.

No one is entitled to see who you're voting for – the voting takes place in a screened booth. When you've marked your vote, fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box.If you're not sure what to do, ask the staff to help you.

How to vote by post or by proxy

If you live in Northern Ireland or abroad and apply in time, you can vote by post or by proxy. You can get an application form by contacting the EONI helpline or by downloading it from the EONI website.

You must explain why it is unreasonable to expect you to go to your allotted polling station - for example because you will be on holiday or because you are ill.

All application forms require another person to confirm the details you have given.

The form must be returned no later than 14 working days before the date of the election

Voting by post

A ballot paper will be sent to you about 10 days before the election. Mark the ballot paper and make sure that it is returned to the Area Electoral Office before 10pm on election day.

Voting by proxy

You do not have to do anything. The person you appointed (your proxy) will vote on your behalf.

Why your vote counts

The Electoral Commission website 'About My Vote' helps you to find out more about how to vote and what you're voting for. You'll need to know your postcode to use the website.

Your right to vote

You can vote in Northern Ireland elections once you are on the electoral register and provided that you are also aged 18 or over on polling day.

Preventing election fraud

There are laws and security measures to prevent electoral fraud. It is an offence to:

  • falsely apply for a postal or proxy vote
  • supply false information or fail to supply information to the electoral registration officer
  • unduly influence someone, even if it does not affect the way they vote

You can apply to observe election proceedings in polling stations, at the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers, and at the counting of votes

More useful links

Register to vote

Find out about voting and download a registration form from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) website