Polling stations have opened, and it’s time to cast your vote in the local elections 2021.
Around 48 million people are eligible to vote today, Thursday May 6, in England, Scotland and Wales.
Citizens will be able to vote in various elections depending on where they are in the country.
Voters will be electing 143 English local councils, 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament, 60 Members of the Welsh Senedd, 39 Police and Crime Commissioners, 25 London Assembly seats and 13 directly-elected mayors.
Many people will be taking to the polling stations for the first time – or perhaps just need a little reminder of how to vote today.
Here is everything you need to know, including when polling stations close.
When do polling stations close?
Polling stations opened at 7am this morning, but there is plenty of time left to vote.
The polling stations will close at 10pm, after which you won’t be able to vote – but there is a small exception.
Polling stations tend to get really busy, especially towards the end of the day.
If the polling station is very busy around this time, and a queue has formed, you may be able to vote still.
However, this is only the case if you joined the queue before 10pm.
Where is my local polling station?
Most people would have already received a polling card in the post.
Details about where you can go to vote will be printed on the card, usually along with a map.
You have to go to the designated polling station you have been allocated.
The polling station will usually be a short distance from your home, in public building such as a school or leisure centre.
If you have lost your card, you can put your postcode in to find out where your polling place is on the Electoral Commission website.
How to vote
You can bring your polling card to your polling station. It can speed up the process, but it’s not necessary.
Once you have told the polling staff your name, you will be given your ballot paper.
Read the instructions carefully – because in some elections you will be asked to choose more than one candidate.
Take your ballot paper, or papers, to a polling booth so you can cast your vote privately.
Complete your ballot paper using the pencil provided – or your own pencil or pen.
Once done, fold your ballot paper and put it in the ballot box.
