31 May 2009
The Electoral Commission is reminding voters in Northern Ireland to make sure they bring the correct photographic ID to the polling station on 4 June for the European Parliamentary Election.
In order to vote, you must bring one of the following forms of photographic ID:
- A UK, Irish or EU passport
- A UK driving licence
- A Translink Senior Smartpass, 60+ Smartpass, Blind Persons Smartpass or War Disabled Smartpass
- An electoral identity card
Séamus Magee, Head of the Electoral Commission’s office in Northern Ireland, said:
“Before leaving the house to vote, do make sure you have the correct form of photographic identification with you. Staff at the polling station will check your ID before they can give you a ballot paper.”
The Electoral Commission is also reminding eligible voters to make sure they understand the voting system.
“5,467 votes were spoiled in the last European Parliamentary election and it was clear that some voters did not understand how the voting system worked, for example that votes are cast using numbers and not an ‘X’.” Séamus Magee said.
“On 4 June, the people of Northern Ireland have an opportunity to elect 3 members of the European Parliament. In order to make their voice heard in Europe it is vital that those eligible to vote – that is those on the current electoral register – complete the ballot paper correctly.
“Votes are cast by putting the number ‘1’ against the voter’s preferred candidate; a ‘2’ in the box beside their next favourite and so on until they no longer wish to express a preference. You can vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish. People who complete the ballot paper incorrectly spoil their vote, so it is important to remember that if you are eligible to vote and go along to the polling station you must follow this method.”
The Electoral Commission is urging anyone with any questions to call the helpline on 0800 0323 700 or log on to www.aboutmyvote.com for full details of how to vote.
ENDS
For further information on the Electoral Commission or to find out more about registering to vote, please contact David Cullen or Chris Brown on 028 90 347 319 or email dcullen@webershandwick.com. Out of office hours and on weekends, please call 07770 886 927 / 911.
Notes to editors
1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. It regulates party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections
2. The Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008 added the Translink 60+ Smartpass, Translink Blind Persons Smartpass and Translink War Disabled Smartpass as accepted forms of photographic identification at polling stations. It also removed the requirement for identification to be ‘current’.
