Voting begins in abortion referendum

Voting on the abortion referendum has begun throughout Ireland, with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern among the first to cast his vote. 2.9 million Irish people are eligible to vote in the referendum, which seeks to outlaw suicide as grounds for abortion.

Polling stations in the 41 constituencies will remain open until 9pm and the results of the vote are expected some time tomorrow evening. Despite appeals from all sides, today’s turnout is expected to be low. Just 35% of the Irish electorate voted in the referendum on the Nice Treaty last June.

The ballot paper before the electorate will ask voters if they approve of the proposal to amend the constitution contained in the 25th Amendment of the Constitution (Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy) Bill 2001. Voters should mark an X in either the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ boxes.

Some people may also be asked to produce identity documents before they are allowed to cast their votes. Acceptable documents include a passport, driving licence, student card, social welfare book, medical card, bank book, cheque book, credit card, birth certificate and marriage certificate.