Did you know the ballot paper doesn't actually mention the Eighth Amendment? From the Constitution to the clothing, here are some important things to note before you vote:

Thousands of Donegal voters are preparing to cast their votes on Friday May 25th. A number of polling stations have already opened on Donegal’s islands this Thursday.

There has been a 128% increase in people adding themselves to the voting register in the county to have their say on the Eighth Amendment.

But the polling card will not reference the Eighth Amendment at all.

Instead, voters are asked if they want to approve the Thirty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill.

Familiarise yourself with the sample ballot paper from refcom2018.refcom.ie below: 

The bill would see the text of 40.3.3 of the Constitution being removed (repealed) and replaced with a new article.

The Present Article 40.3.3

The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.

This subsection shall not limit freedom to travel between the State and another state. This subsection shall not limit freedom to obtain or make available, in the State, subject to such conditions as may be laid down by law, information relating to services lawfully available in another state.

The Proposed Article 40.3.3

Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.

Going to vote: 

If you are making plans to vote tomorrow, take a look at your polling card to see which polling station at which you are registered. Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm on 25th May.

See a map of Donegal’s polling stations on the Donegal County Council website here:

You don’t need to have your polling card with you when you go to vote. However you should bring some valid form of personal identification such as a passport, a driving licence, a public services card, an employee identity card with a photograph, a student identity card with a photograph, a travel document with your name and photograph, or a bank, savings or credit union book containing your address in the constituency.

If you don’t receive a polling card, you are still entitled to vote so long as you are on the electoral register. You can check this at checktheregister.ie.

In the Polling Station: 

Canvassing is prohibited up to 50 metres outside polling stations and inside the buildings. This relates to campaigning material such as Repeal jumpers, t-shirts, Yes and No badges, bags or any clothing that is classed as canvassing. Best to leave it at home.

All photography and videography is banned from polling stations.

On the ballot paper: 

You vote by marking an ‘X’ in the ‘Yes’ box or ‘No’ box, depending on how you want to vote. Mark only one box, or your vote will not count. Do not mark any other part of the ballot paper.

Know before you go:

Independent information on the referendum and voting is available at https://refcom2018.refcom.ie/