Northern Ireland prepares for the polls
Tuesday, 6 March 2007 12:00 AM
The Northern Ireland assembly election takes place tomorrow and the electoral commission has released a last minute reminder for voters.
More than 10,000 votes were wasted in the last election, the commission notes, and it is urging voters to avoid some of the common mistakes.
Voters are reminded that the election to the assembly uses the single transferable vote system, meaning that people can vote for more than one candidate but they must state their preference.
Seamus Magee, head of the electoral commission in Northern Ireland explained: "At their favourite candidate, voters mark a one, at their next favourite a two, their next favourite a three."
"They can vote for as few or as many candidates as they wish."
Voters are also reminded that they must bring suitable photo identification to the poll. Acceptable forms are: A Northern Ireland or Great Britain full driving licence or Northern Ireland provisional licence, a passport issued by the UK or other member state of the European Community, a Senior SmartPass issued under the Northern Ireland concessionary fares scheme or an electoral ID card.
The polls are open from 7:00am until 10:00pm.
Nearly 240 candidates are standing across the 18 constituencies. Six Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) represent each constituency, with 108 MLAs being returned in total.
The Northern Irish assembly is currently suspended, but if it successfully appoints a first minister and deputy first minister following tomorrow's election, power will be restored.
The first minister and deputy first minister lead the executive, along with an executive committee of ministers.
The assembly has control of transfer matters, encompassing such areas as the environment, town planning, education and transport.
The UK government retains control of policing and criminal justice, know as reserved matters, but can transfer these to the assembly. Defence and taxation are excepted matters and remain under the control of the UK parliament.
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