A huge logistics operation is getting under way tonight to deliver thousands of ballot boxes to 6,500 polling stations located in schools, sports halls and in some cases houses across the country.
Among the boxes - which will remain under lock and key until Sunday morning - are some 30,000 pencils, as well as a pack for each polling station, including a first aid kit, balls of twine and damp sponges for separating paper.
The ballot boxes will be guarded by security throughout the night until polling stations open at 7am in the morning.
This is the first time since 1918 that a general election is being held on a Saturday and this, along with other factors including weather and sporting fixtures, could have an impact on turnout.
There are 515 candidates running in 39 constituencies. They will be competing to fill 160 seats in the next Dáil - that is two more than last time and has been adjusted because of population changes.
A total of 3.4 million citizens are eligible to vote.
You should have received your polling card in the post by now. It will include information including the location of your nearest polling station.
If you have not received it, you are advised to bring a passport, driving licence or other form of identification to the polling station.
Once it is confirmed you are on the register you will be handed a ballot paper. It displays the names of candidates in alphabetical order, their photograph and the political party - if any - they belong to.
The system of voting we use in this country is proportional representation.
You can write number one beside the your first choice of candidate, number two beside your second choice, if you have one, and so on all along the ballot paper if you wish.
You are not permitted to take a selfie or any other photo in the polling station.
The polling stations will stay open until 10pm on Saturday night.
Boxes will open at 9am on Sunday morning when counting will get under way.
