Polls Open For NI Council Elections

Voters across Northern Ireland will head to the polls today, Thursday 02 May, in the local council elections.

A total of 819 candidates are standing across 11 council areas.

1,463 polling stations are currently operating, with votes being cast up until 10pm this evening.

A full list of the candidates standing in each area can be accessed on the Electoral Office website.

Council elections operate using the Single Transferrable Vote (STV) system, with voters ranking their chosen candidate by number in terms of preference. Ballots should be marked 1, 2, 3 and so on and the voter can choose as many preferences as they want.

Councillors will then be elected based on the share of the vote they receive.

Overnight verification of unused ballot papers returned from polling stations will take place overnight and councils will begin counting on Friday morning at 8am.

Voters must be at least 18 and on the electoral register in order to be eligible to have their vote case. Proof of identity is required at the polling station. The following forms are acceptable:

• The photographic part of a UK, Irish or European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence (provisional licences accepted)

• A UK, Irish or EU passport

• An Electoral Identity Card

• A Translink Senior SmartPass

• A Translink 60+ SmartPass

• A Translink War Disablement SmartPass

• A Translink Registered Blind SmartPass



(JG/CM)