#GE2016: Parents Turn Out in Force As Voting Gets Underway

Thousands of people will flock to polling stations all over the country today as voting gets underway in the 2016 General Election.  More than 3.2 million people are eligible to vote in 40 constituencies, the final result determining 157 of the 158 members of the 32nd Dáil (Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett is elected automatically). Divisive issues for parents include repealing the eighth amendment, childcare, healthcare and education.

Lights starting to go on in polling stations on way into work. Doors open at 7am and close at 10pm #GE16 pic.twitter.com/HxqWyRXiDd

— Morning Ireland (@morningireland) February 26, 2016

More than 2,000 people living on remote islands off Ireland's coast have already cast their vote and the count will begin on Saturday morning, with the first indications of the result due to be announced in the afternoon.

Waiting for the doors to my local polling station to open this morning #GE16 pic.twitter.com/dKOKqF89RP — Aisling Ennis (@aislingrosennis) February 26, 2016

Polling stations opened at 7am this morning and will remain open until 10pm. Speaking in Dublin yesterday, Labour leader Joan Burton made a last ditch appeal to voters: “I am asking the people to think twice before they cast their ballot." she said. “We have focused relentlessly on one common purpose of trying to restore the country and recovering the country.”

Polls are open! Vote early, vote often, vote feminist! #FemGen #GE16 pic.twitter.com/KK5lc7JjQK — Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) February 26, 2016

Voters have been reminded to bring ID and a polling card to the polling station and to avoid writing any identifying marks on a ballot paper that could spoil a vote. Selfies are also banned.