Immigrant vote 'could sway' poll

The Polish magazine is helping people learn about NI politics

Twenty-five different nationalities have registered to vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly election, according to the Electoral Office.

Nearly 2,000 Poles have signed the electoral register, followed by 900 Portuguese, and nearly 800 Lithuanians.

It is thought more than 6,000 foreign nationals may vote when Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 7 March.

Cahir Hughes, Electoral Commission, said more people were coming into Northern Ireland with the EU expansion.

"They have rights and they can be represented when the assembly is restored," he told the BBC.

The magazine, Glosik, is aimed specifically at Northern Ireland's burgeoning Polish community.

Poles want to vote with their feet in Northern Ireland

It is targeted at the estimated 30,000-plus Poles and has been trying to educate them about the political parties and political system in Northern Ireland.

The publication is the brainchild of Polish business consultant Ewa Grosman, who runs the multi-service agency, Connect, in Carrickfergus.

She said that taking part in the elections empowered immigrants.

"If we are thinking about 30,000 Polish people, even if 30% of those are voting it will have a major influence on the political landscape of Northern Ireland," she said.

"Even with small numbers registering, we have a high percentage of people attending the elections, it may still have an influence in certain areas of northern Ireland."

Ewa Grosman says taking part in the elections empowers immigrants

Anyone who has been resident in Northern Ireland for at least three months is eligible to join the register.

BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Gareth Gordon said: "The changing face of society here is mirrored by the fact that 25 different nationalities are now registered to vote, according to the Electoral Office.

"Foreign nationals still make up only a tiny percentage of the overall electoral register.

"Of course, there is no way of knowing just how many of them will turn up to vote.

"These communities are growing at such a rate that political parties can no longer afford to ignore them."