Northern Ireland will soon have a new set of councillors as voters go to the polls in local government elections.
All 462 seats are up for grabs across the region's 11 councils, which make decisions on issues such as leisure services, bin collections and off-street parking.
The election will take place on May 18. It was pushed back by two weeks to avoid the counting of votes clashing with the coronation of King Charles III.
Read more: Northern Ireland parties' council election TV broadcasts - rated
Take at look at our full coverage of the election campaign, including the complete list of candidates in each district electoral area.
The vote will be the first electoral test for Northern Ireland's political parties since last year's Stormont Assembly election.
Here a rundown of everything you need to know about the council election and how to vote:
When is voting day for the Northern Ireland council election?
Voting day for the Northern Ireland local government election is Thursday, May 18.
It was pushed back by two weeks to avoid the counting of votes clashing with the coronation of King Charles III.
Voters choose councillors in their district electoral area (DEA). There are 80 DEAs across Northern Ireland's 11 councils, with each DEA represented by five, six or seven councillors.
How do I vote?
You will get a polling card before election day telling you where your polling station is.
The election uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which is also used for Stormont Assembly elections.
Mark your ballot paper in order of their preference, placing a 1 beside your favourite candidate, 2 beside your second-favourite, 3 for your third-favourite and so on for as many candidates as you wish.
There are three ways to vote:
- In person at a polling station, which are usually set up in places such as schools and community centres
- Postal vote
- Nominating a proxy to vote on your behalf
Who is eligible to vote?
Voters must be:
Listed on the electoral register
At least 18 years of age on May 18 2023
A British, Irish or European Union citizen or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
What is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote by post or proxy was April 26, while the deadline for those voting in person is April 28. Visit the Electoral Office website for more details.
Do I need to take my polling card?
No, you do not need your polling card to vote at a polling station.
However, you do need a photographic ID to vote, such as:
- UK, Irish or EEA driving licence
- UK, Irish or EU passport
- Electoral identity card
- Translink SmartPass
- Biometric immigration document
A full list of acceptable ID is available on the Electoral Office website.
Who can I vote for?
Take a look at the complete list of candidates in each district electoral area.
A total of 807 candidates are contesting the 462 seats across all 11 councils in Northern Ireland.
Can I bring a pen or pencil?
You do not need to, as pencils are available to voters in the polling booth to fill in your ballot paper.
Pencils are used instead of pens because ink risks blotting the ballot paper, which could potentially lead to the vote being invalidated.
Pencils are also considered less likely to tear the paper, as well as cheaper and easier to store between elections.
Where do I vote?
You will get a polling card before election day telling you where your polling station is.
Can I bring my dog or children to vote?
Only assistance dogs are allowed inside polling stations, the Electoral Office for NI has previously said.
But there is no restriction on leaving dogs outside while you cast your vote.
Voters can bring children to polling stations, but they are not allowed to mark your ballot paper.
When will postal votes be sent?
Postal ballot papers will be issued on different dates between April 27 and May 9, depending on the council area in which you are voting.
Full details of the dates postal ballot papers will be issued can be found on the Electoral Office website.
When will the results of the election be announced?
Counting of the votes begins on May 19, the day after the election.
However, it could take two days of counting or more before the final results are known.
Make sure to check out our full coverage of the election as the count unfolds for up-to-date results, reaction and analysis.
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