Polls are now open across the country in the local and European elections.

Voters have until 10pm this evening to cast their votes in both elections – as well as in the referendum on divorce.

People in Cork, Waterford and Limerick can also vote on whether to introduce a directly elected mayor.

Exit polls should give some indication of the outcome this evening – with the official count to get underway tomorrow morning.

Thousands of islanders off the west coast of the country cast their votes yesterday.

Elections

People will be faced with either three or four ballot papers depending on where you live.

On the local election paper, voters will be asked to mark the candidates by order of preference – marking their favourite with a ‘1’ and then marking the others in ascending order – 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on.

Voters should do the same with the European election ballot paper – these will be quite long given the number of candidates.

The ballot paper in Ireland South will be around two foot long to accommodate 23 candidates.

Divorce Referendum

In the third ballot, people will be asked to give a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the Divorce Referendum.

Voters will be asked if they want to remove the Constitutional clause stipulating that couples must live apart for four years before they can get divorced.

If the clause is removed, Government will be free to legislate on a separation period as it sees fit.

Directly elected mayors

In Cork, Waterford and Limerick meanwhile, people will be asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on whether they want to have a directly elected mayor.

You need to bring ID to the polling station or you may not be allowed to vote.

People are not allowed to take pictures or selfies in the polling station. You shouldn't wear any political badges or paraphernalia while voting – or you may be asked to remove them.

Polls will close at 10pm this evening.