Be prepared to vote this Thursday

Samus Magee, Head of the Electoral Commission's office in Northern Ireland, said: "If you're planning to vote on 6 May, you will need to make sure you have the correct form of photo ID with you.

"Your right to vote is an important one – make sure you're fully prepared on the day. As long as you are registered, you do not need to bring a polling card but you do need to bring your ID or you may be turned away."

In order to vote, you must bring one of the following forms of photographic ID:

a UK or Irish passport

a photographic UK, Irish or EEA driving licence

a Translink Senior Smartpass,or 60+ Smartpass or, War Disabled Smartpass or Blind Person's Smartpass

an Electoral Identity Card

The Electoral Commission is also reminding registered voters of the steps required to ensure votes are cast effectively.

Mr Magee said: "You should receive a polling card just before an election if you are registered to vote. This will tell you where you should go to vote, and where your polling station is located. Polling hours are 7am to 10pm.

"Read the ballot paper carefully and put one 'X' in the box next to the candidate you want to vote for. Remember that you can vote for one candidate only. Fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box. If you are not clear what to do, ask the staff at the polling station to help you.

"People who complete the ballot paper incorrectly may spoil their vote, so it is important to remember that if you are going to the polling station you must follow this method."

If you have any questions call the helpline on 0800 0323 700 or visit www.aboutmyvote.com for further details. The site also includes a virtual polling station which demonstrates the procedures to follow on election day.