It is not long now until people across England head to the polls to vote in this year's local elections.
On Thursday, May 6, people across the Bristol region will be voting in up to four elections.
And this year, there is one big change that is worth being aware of.
Because of coronavirus, the Government is encouraging voters to bring their own pens or pencils to mark their ballot papers.
However, regularly sanitised or single use pencils will be available at polling stations for those who are unable to do so.
In each election, it becomes a major topic of debate whether you must use use a pencil to vote or whether you can vote with a pen instead.
And the answer is - as explained by the Electoral Commission - that you don't have to use a pencil.
It says: "Pencils are generally used to mark ballot papers for practical reasons: ink may dry or spill, or could smudge and transfer when the ballot paper is folded, which could lead to your ballot paper being rejected.
"But this is not mandatory - you can use your own pen if you prefer."
The Electoral Commission has also provided further COVID-19 related content to inform voters on what measures to expect inside polling stations and how to help keep others safe when voting in person.
It says on the Government website: "Voters (and staff) attending polling stations can expect to see many of the protective measures with which the public is already now familiar - hand sanitiser will be available, and distance markings and protective barriers will be in use as appropriate.
"All voters and staff must wear a face covering in indoor venues at polling stations unless they are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.
"Voters will also be encouraged to bring their own pens or pencils to mark their ballot papers (although regularly sanitised or single use pencils will be available at polling stations for those who are unable to do so)."
It is an important year for the city of Bristol. Not only will voters get to choose the individual who will run the city for the next three years in Bristol's third ever election for city mayor, but all 70 seats on Bristol City Council are also up for grabs.
It means all 34 wards across the city will be heading to the polls.
The Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Combined Authority Mayor for the West of England (WECA) elections are also on the same day.
People living in the city of Bristol will have all four elections on their ballot people.
If you live in South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset you will be able to cast your vote for the PCC and Combined Authority Mayor.
Meanwhile those living in North Somerset will only have the candidates for Avon and Somerset PCC on their ballot paper.
You can find out more about the Bristol mayoral election here and to see the full candidates list for the councillors election visit here.
And find out everything you need to know about the West of England metro mayor elections here.
Find out about the West of England Metro Mayor candidates: read profiles for Labour candidate Dan Norris, Green Party candidate Jerome Thomas, Conservative Samuel Wiliams, and Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams.
