It’s now less than a week until people across the north go to the polls in the upcoming Westminster election.
However the unusual July 4 date has clashed with the holiday plans of many, leading to an increase in postal ballots being issued.
Chief Electoral Officer Dr David Marshall told The Irish News it shows more people are engaging with the opportunity to vote in advance when unable to attend the polling station.
“This is the first general election in Northern Ireland, and indeed the United Kingdom that’s happening in July since the Second World War.
“So obviously with a July election it means people are off school here and a lot more people will be going on holiday.
“For this election we’ve issued 25,571 postal ballots. That’s up 70% more than the 2023 local elections and 50% more than the 2019 General Election.
“I would ask anyone with a postal vote to get those back to us now, please don’t leave it until the last minute before you go on holiday because what we don’t want is postal votes coming to us after the election day when they won’t be counted.”
Mr Marshall also had some advice for those attending the polling stations on Thursday.
“Please arrive as early as you can because it takes the stress and pressure of everyone involved in case you need to return home to collect something.
“Secondly, you will have received a polling card in the post and it would be really helpful if you could bring that along with you, but don’t worry if you don’t have it you can look up where to vote at wheredoivote.co.uk
“The most important thing to remember is to bring photographic ID. That would include a driving licence, a passport. The full list is available on our website.
“And when it comes to your ballot paper please remember its an X marks the spot next to one candidate.”
Polling stations open from 7am on Thursday and close at 10pm
