VOTERS across the north go to the polls tomorrow for the first time since the Westminster election of December 2019.
Today's assembly election comes approximately five years and two months since the last corresponding poll and is the first since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.
Those casting their vote tomorrow in person are asked to wear a mask at polling stations, though the request will not be enforced.
People can also use their own pens or pencils on ballot papers.
There are 606 polling stations across the region, with 1,345 ballot boxes.
The polls open at 7am and close at 10pm. Voters are not required to produce their poll card but do need to bring photographic ID, which can include a British or Irish passport; a driving licence; a Translink Senior pass; a war disabled or blind person’s Smartpass; and an electoral identity card.
Verification of votes will begin at the three count centres in Belfast, Magherafelt and Jordanstown at 8am on Friday, with counting proper expected to commence from around 10am onwards.
The first results are expected in the afternoon.
The assembly election uses a single transferable vote (STV) system which enables voters to rank their preferences down the ballot paper beginning with 1.
More than 1.3 million are registered to vote, with some 48,700 people voting in an assembly election for the first time.
The Electoral Office has granted in the region of 14,600 postal votes and and 6,470 proxy votes.
Those with sight impairments can for the first time avail of a new helpline system, which has been developed in association with year with the RNIB.
Electors who require assistance can phone 028 9044 6611 and hear the candidates for their constituency. The selector device and large print ballot paper are also still available and polling station staff.
