Local elections 2021: What time do polling stations open and close today?

It’s time for the local elections 2021, where around 48million people will be eligible to vote.

Voters in England, Scotland and Wales will take on the polls on Thursday, May 6 for a number of elections – including local councils, devolved governments, police commissioners and mayors.

Many people might have already sent off their postal votes – but others will be waiting for the election day itself to cast their votes.

So you might be wondering what time you can head to the polling station, and where your nearest one is.

Here is everything you need to know about casting your vote today.

What time do polling stations open?

Polling stations will open at 7am (PA)

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 6.

This will allow plenty of time for everyone to vote.

However, you won’t be allowed to vote after 10pm – unless you get to the polling station and there is a long queue.

However, you won’t be able to join the queue after 10pm.

Generally polling stations are busiest first thing in the morning and when people finish work, so keep that in mind.

Where is my nearest polling station?

You can only vote at your dedicated polling station (Derby Telegraph)

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.

Who can vote?

The deadline for registering to vote has passed (Derby Telegraph)

In order to vote in the 2021 elections, you needed to have registered by Monday April 19.

If you missed the deadline you won’t be eligible to vote for this election.

To cast your ballot you need to be aged 18 in England, or 16 for the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary votes.

You also have to be a British citizen, Irish citizen, EU citizen who lives in the UK, or Commonwealth citizen who has (or doesn’t need) permission to stay in the UK.

The rules around who can vote does vary between countries, so if you’re still unsure make sure to check the government website.