Voter turnout figures for local and European elections have reached above 10% in most areas as voting reaches the midway point. 

Voting centres for the local and European elections opened at 7am today and will close at 10pm. 

A more detailed picture of voter turnout is expected this afternoon, while a small share of eligible voters cast their ballots in the early hours of elections. 

The average turnout at 11 centres in Dublin city up to lunchtime is 10.7%, ranging from 7.21% in Ballymun-Finglas to 15% in Donaghmede. 

Voter turnout in Galway City and county have both averaged 10% so far. Areas Clifden, Spiddal, Salthill and Ballinasloe are slightly higher at 12%, while Oranmore and Castlegar are slightly lower at 9%. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris voting at local and European elections in Wicklow, 07/06/2024. Image: Leon Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Turnout in Cork, meanwhile, up to midday was 11.3%, compared with 12.3% in the last local and European election in 2019. 

The average turnout for four centres in Kerry is 15.6% up to midday, while 18% of people had cast their vote in Dingle by that time. 

The average from four polling stations in Cavan is 10.5%, while in Monaghan it’s 11.5%. 

In Carlow, turnout at nine count centres reaches an average 7.9%. 

Voter turnout is high in some areas of Sligo, with 32% turnout in Dromore West and 28% in Beltra.

Turnout is reportedly quite high in Sligo-Strandhill with a 12% turnout in Carton and around 15% in the Ballyshannon area.

A surge in turnout is expected this evening ahead of the polls closing. 

Voting at elections

Voters must have a valid form of identification - such as a passport, driving licence, Public Services Card or an employee or student ID with a photograph to be able to vote. 

People do not need a polling card to vote but can bring it with them. 

Any one of the following IDs is needed to prove your identity: 

• A passport (either a passport card or passport book) 
• A driving licence 
• A Public Services Card 
• A workplace identity card (it must have a photograph) 
• A student identity card (it must have a photograph) 
• A travel document (it must have a photograph) 
• A bank or credit union account book with your name and address in the constituency (voting area) 
• Irish Residence Permit 

On the ballot papers, voters must ensure they express their preference or preferences on each individual ballot paper. 

The Electoral Commission has reminded voters to ensure both ballot papers are ranked from the number one, as papers that do not start with this are invalid. 

The ballot boxes will be opened at 8am on Saturday. Counting in the Limerick Mayoral Election will not begin until Monday.