Today sees Ireland heading to the polls to vote in a referendum on same-sex marriage and, should the vote favour the yeses, the country will make history as the first to adopt the law through popular vote.

There is one small snag in the plan, however, as Irish citizens abroad are unable to vote unless they return to Ireland in person. This has led to a massive influx of nationals returning to the country, with social media documenting their journeys under the hashtag #hometovote. This from CNN:

Ireland’s voters will be asked to approve this statement: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”

If more say “yes” than say “no,” the change to the constitution will give gay and lesbian couples the right to civil marriage, but not to be wed in a church.

Here’s a selection of some of more popular #hometovote tweets:

You would guess in the face of what looks like overwhelming support for the ‘yes’ vote the pro same-sex marriage camp should win comfortably, but in a country with a large Catholic population it should be a closely-fought battle.

Come on Ireland, set an example the rest can follow and allow Paddy and Paddy to live happily ever after.

I’ll leave you with this, a map showing in what parts of the world same-sex marriages are allowed. Who’s that down the bottom of Africa?

[sources:cnn&metro]