Irish Citizens Head Home to Vote for Same-Sex Marriage

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Today, the Republic of Ireland votes on a proposal to introduce civil same-sex marriage. The referendum, if passed, would make Ireland the first country to approve same-sex marriage by a popular vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m on Friday, May 22. The counting of the votes will take place Saturday, May 23 and the results will be declared from Dublin Castle. Since it also happens to be the same day as the Eurovision song contest finale, drag performer and activist Panti Bliss joked via Facebook that it's the gayest day of the year.

With fears of a strong turnout from older, religious voters who are more likely to oppose equality, many Irish citizens are heading home today in order to vote for same-sex marriage and have documented their journeys — on packed buses, airports, and trains — as they return home to vote for equality.

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