General Election 2024 advice from Electoral Commission as polls set to open

The Electoral Commission is encouraging voters in Northern Ireland to make sure they are ready for the UK general election taking place on Thursday July 4.

Voters will elect representatives across 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm tomorrow and must remember to bring a correct form of photographic ID to polling stations.

ID that has expired will be accepted, as long as the image "looks like you", advice has confirmed.

Read more: Full list of candidates running in the General Election in Northern Ireland

Read more: Full General Election guide for NI voters as country goes to the polls

Cahir Hughes, Head of the Electoral Commission in Northern Ireland, added: "It is vital all voters in Northern Ireland have all the information they need to make sure their voice is heard at the UK general election on Thursday 4 July. Before heading to the polling station, check to make sure that you have the ID you need to vote. It needs to be an original version, copies and pictures won’t be accepted.

"If you don’t remember your ID when you arrive at a polling station, you can return with it later in the day. Anyone in a queue at 10pm will be able to cast their vote.

"Remember at UK general elections you should place only a single X beside the candidate of your choice. If you put any other mark on your ballot paper it may not be counted."

The law requires you produce one of nine forms of photographic identification when you vote at a polling station.

These are:

• UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photo part) (provisional accepted)

• UK, Irish or EU passport (incl. Irish Passport Card) (EU passports are not accepted at UK Parliamentary elections)

• Translink Half Fare SmartPass

• Translink Senior SmartPass

• Translink 60+ SmartPass

• Translink War Disablement SmartPass

• Translink Registered Blind SmartPass

• Biometric Immigration Document OR

• Electoral Identity Card

The last option - the Electoral Identity Card - is solely for electors who have not got one of the other means (see list above) of photographic voter identification.

You can view a list of all candidates running for election on July 4, through this link.

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