The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is urging more than 600,000 young people to get out and vote on Saturday.

Some 603,987 Irish and UK citizens aged 18 to 29 are entitled to vote in this general election.

Up to 226,000 people aged 18 to 21 also have the opportunity to vote in their first Dáil election.

The NYCI - which represents organisations working with over 380,000 young people nationwide - is encouraging them to get to the polls.

Polling stations open between 7.00am and 10.00pm on Saturday.

Any Irish or British citizen aged 18 or over, ordinarily resident in Ireland and on the Register of Electors, is eligible to vote.

Polling cards are issued to voters in the days before polling day to tell people where to vote.

A polling card is not needed to vote - however, people may be asked for evidence of identity at the polling station.

An example of a sample ballot paper for a general election | Image: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Documents acceptable for identification purposes include a passport, a driving licence, employee identity card containing a photograph, a student identity card with a photograph and a Public Services Card.

James Doorley is NYCI deputy director.

"The election of the 33rd Dáil is an important one as the successful TDs and new Government elected on February 8th will have a significant impact on the lives and future of young people and all citizens for up to five years.

"From our work and all the available evidence young people are energised and concerned about many issues, such as housing, homelessness, education, climate change, mental health services and motor insurance to name a few.

"We believe that there will be a strong youth turnout on Saturday which will send a strong message to the next Oireachtas and government, that they must make positive decisions and take actions action on all these issues in the coming months and years".

"It is vital that the views of young people are heard... and that is why we are strongly encouraging all young voters to go to the polls".

The Youth Council is also making instructions available to first-time voters letting them know what they need, and what to expect at the polling station.