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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Brendan Hughes

NI election poll 2022: Candidates, constituencies to watch, how to vote and result timings

The politicians have spent weeks making their pitches to voters - and now it's time for the public to have their say.

Voting is taking place at polling stations across Northern Ireland on Thursday for the Stormont Assembly election 2022.

There are 18 constituencies with five MLAs to be elected in each and a total of 239 candidates are contesting the election.

Read more: BBC NI election debate: Rating the Stormont leaders' performances in battle for votes

Here is a quick guide to what you need to know to use your vote on polling day:

When are polling stations open?

Polling stations open on Thursday at 7am and close at 10pm.

For registered voters, your polling card should tell you where to vote. You can also check by visiting the Electoral Office website and entering your postcode, or by clicking here.

What do you need to vote?

You will need to have already registered to vote and you need to bring a valid form of photo ID. The options are:

  • A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photographic part). Provision licences are also accepted
  • A UK, Irish or EU passport or Irish Passport Card
  • An electoral identity card
  • A Translink Senior SmartPass, 60+ SmartPass, War Disabled SmartPass, or Blind Person's SmartPass.

The identification document does not need to be current, as long as the photograph allows polling station staff to confirm the identity of the holder.

How do I mark my ballot paper?

At the polling station, you will be given a ballot paper listing the candidates in your constituency to cast your vote.

On the ballot, you are voting 1, 2, 3 and so on in order of your preference.

So mark the number '1' beside the name of your preferred candidate, a ‘2’ next to your second-preferred candidate and so on, for as many candidates as you wish.

When you are done, place your ballot in the polling station box.

Remember, you will be using a pencil - not a pen - and here's why.

Who can I vote for?

A total of 239 candidates are contesting the election. Here is a list of all the candidates you can choose from in your constituency.

If you're undecided, take a look at the priorities of the five main parties.

What if I have Covid?

People who test positive for Covid-19 or have symptoms will still be permitted to vote at polling stations.

The Electoral Office said measures will be in place at polling stations in an effort to limit the spread of infection.

Voters are advised to wear face coverings in the polling station, use the hand sanitiser on entry and keep their distance from staff and other people when talking to them.

Polling stations will have perspex screens and hand sanitiser dispensers, and windows and doors will be kept open for air circulation.

Ballot boxes, polling booths and pencils for filling out ballots will also be regularly cleaned by staff, the Electoral Office said.

Can I take photos inside the polling station?

While some people may be keen to take a selfie, the answer is no.

You must not take pictures inside the polling station, as you could be breaking the law if you inadvertently disclose how someone has voted.

However, you can take all the pictures you wish outside the polling station - and you can also take your dog.

When will the result be published?

The verification and count of the ballot papers begins at 8am on Friday.

Results will roll in throughout the day as the count progresses. We have compiled a handy guide to how the voting system works.

Belfast Live will have all the latest results, reaction and analysis as the votes are counted.

You can also bookmark this page and keep an eye on our interactive map, below, as it updates

Which are the key seats to watch?

Of the 18 constituencies, several are considered key battlegrounds. Take a look at our rundown of where gains could be made or lost.

Read more: BBC NI election debate: Rating the Stormont leaders' performances in battle for votes

Read more: Review of Stormont parties' Assembly election broadcasts

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