This is a PR (proportional representation) election which means voters put a ‘1’ against the name of their first choice candidate, a  ‘2’ against their next choice, and so on down the list.

By now, every household should have received a poll card for each person at that address who is eligible to vote, ie they must be 18 years of age by 5th May this year.

If you haven’t received a poll card – it gives the location of your polling station – you can phone the electoral office helpline, 0800 4320 712. But, while you do not need your poll card to vote, you do need identification, even if you are personally known by the presiding officer and/or by his/her staff.

The range of identification documents is listed on the back of the poll card, varying from a driver’s licence to a UK/Irish/EU passport or a Translink Smart pass.

Unlike some years ago, an identity document does not need to be current, so long as the photograph is a good likeness. And, it does not matter if the address on the document is out of date – the document simply needs to prove one’s identity. 

If voters have a disability and cannot mark the ballot paper, they can have a companion with them or, if they wish, they can ask the presiding officer to help them.

If a woman has recently married and changed her name, she has to bring along her original marriage certificate.