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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Gary Armstrong

General election: when the polling stations open, do you need your polling card with you and other questions

After weeks of campaigning, voters go to the polls across the country on Thursday to have their say in the General election.

Politicians and party activists will continue to make their pitches throughout Wednesday, one final push to convince voters to go their way.

And if you've registered to vote you'll get the chance to have your say in the political future of the country.

We've been through plenty of these in recent years, but the same old questions still pop up when it comes to election day.

When do polling stations open?

There are hundreds of polling stations across the Greater Glasgow area (2016 Getty Images)

 

The polling stations open at 7am on Thursday morning and close at 10pm at night.

Do I need my polling card?

No. Although helpful for the staff working at the polling station, all you need to do is give your name and address and they'll cross you off the list when you turn up.

Where is my polling station?

If you are registered to vote, your polling card will tell you the location of your polling station.

If you’ve lost your polling card or just want to check where your nearest polling station is, all you need to do is enter your postcode on the Where do I vote? website.

Do I have to vote at my polling station?

Yes, you must vote at your assigned polling station, as designated on your polling card.

Do I have to use a pencil to vote?

No. Pencils are provided for casting votes at polling stations, however, anyone who votes is allowed to use a pen.

Why do we use pencils? According to the Electoral Commission pens may dry out or spill and many transfer the voting mark onto the paper once it is folded. This could lead to rejection of a paper as it may look like the person who used the pen has voted twice.

When will we know the results?

Counting staff members empty ballot boxes after the close of voting (AFP PHOTO / Andy BuchananANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images)

As you can imagine, there's no exact science with this one, but estimates suggest the counting process at some polling stations could complete as early as 2am on Friday, with the results to follow shortly after.

Are you allowed to take dogs into the polling stations?

Images of dogs at polling stations tend to go viral on election day (Getty Images)

Yes, in most polling stations - however as long as owners follow strict guidelines to ensure they don't disrupt the voting process. Dogs must be kept on the lead at all times, but your pooch can enjoy a big day of politics too!

Make sure to follow Glasgow Live for all the reaction to the General election on Friday morning.

Want all the latest Glasgow news delivered to your WhatsApp? Text NEWS to 07899711574 and then add the number to your contacts as ‘Glasgow Live’ for a daily dose of the good stuff ... 

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