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On Friday May 22nd, it’s important that every eligible voter go out and exercise their franchise. Photo: iStock

On Friday, May 22nd, it’s important that every eligible voter go out and exercise their franchise. However despite what you may think, you may not have heard it all and there’s a few things to bear in mind.

Although it has dominated the coverage, the vote on the same sex marriage referendum is not the only thing you are being asked to vote on - there is also the presidential age referendum, where you will be asked if you want to lower the age limit from 35 to 21 at which someone can be elected president. Keep in mind however that the person would still be required to be nominated by at least 20 people from the Oireachtas, either current Senators or TDs or be nominated by four councils / local authorities by democratic vote.

Also when you set out to cast your vote remember the following as you’d be surprised how many people get caught out:

. If you are not registered then you cannot vote.

. You should have received a polling card but you do not necessarily need it to vote. Alternatively, you can bring a valid form of personal identification such as a driving licence or passport but why complicate matters.

. You have to go to your local polling station to cast your vote. You can’t vote anywhere you choose.

. The polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

. The ballot paper for the same sex marriage referendum vote is white and the ballot paper for the presidential age referendum vote is green.

. Write an X into the appropriate box on your ballot papers (other marks might or might not be accepted but again why complicate matters).

. Taking selfies at polling stations which show the ballot papers is not allowed. You could void your own vote or someone else’s and receive a fine. You are allowed take pictures on the way in our out of the polling station.

Finally go out and vote even if you think one side or the other already have it in the bag. Remember the Fermanagh/South Tyrone constituency in 2010 was decided by just 4 votes. This time it could be yours that makes the difference.

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