Polling day for the 2023 council election in Northern Ireland is to be pushed back by two weeks to avoid clashing with the coronation of King Charles III.
The election had been scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 4, but the UK government plans to move the date to Thursday, May 18.
Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker said this is to avoid the counting of votes potentially running into the day of the coronation, which is taking place on Saturday, May 6.
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He said chief electoral officer Virginia McVea believed the dates clash would "impede the smooth running of the election and count and cause difficulties for staff".
In a letter to councils seen by Belfast Live, Mr Baker wrote: "As you are aware, the coronation of King Charles III is set for 6 May 2023.
"As things stand, the local election date in Northern Ireland, as set out in legislation, will be 4 May 2023.
"This will mean that the count is very likely to run into the day of the coronation.
"The chief electoral officer has confirmed that in her professional opinion, this will impede the smooth running of the election and count and cause difficulties for staff involved.
"After discussion with the chief electoral officer, the Electoral Commission and political parties, we are proposing legislation that will move the date of the local elections to 18 May 2023. I would be grateful if you could pass this information on to councillors and your staff.
"I am grateful for the work of you and your staff in preparing for these local elections and I hope you will understand the need to change the scheduled poll day on this occasion."
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