Voters across England and Wales are heading to the polls today as local elections kick off around the UK.
Elections are being held across 107 local authorities, alongside 11 mayoral races and the Blackpool-South by-election.
A further 37 police and crime commissioners will also be appointed following today’s elections.
Counting will begin once polls close later this evening, with the first results expected in the early hours of tomorrow.
In London, however, results of the hotly-contested London Mayoral election and the London Assembly won’t be announced until Saturday.
Incumbent Sadiq Khan is facing off against a number of challengers for the top London position, including Conservative Susan Hall and Lib Dem Rob Blackie.
Many also view this year’s local elections as a litmus test for the general voter appetite and opinions of Rishi Sunak’s leadership ahead of a general election expected later this year.
If you plan to have your say today, how long do you have to vote exactly? Here’s what you need to know.
When do UK polls close?
In areas where elections are being held today, polling stations will be open from 7am – 10pm.
As long as you’re in a queue to vote at your polling station by 10pm, you should be permitted to cast your ballot.
Counting the results won’t begin until after the polls close.
Election results will start trickling in early Friday morning, but the complete results will be known only at the weekend.
How to vote in local elections
If you are eligible and a registered voter, you can cast your ballot in person, by post, or by proxy. However, the latter two options must be arranged ahead of time.
Information about your local election should be available on the polling card you received through the post.
Voters will need to show a photographic ID to vote in person during today’s elections.
In extreme circumstances, such as an unforeseen medical emergency, an emergency proxy vote by 5pm today is still possible.
How to find a polling station
As well as information on polling cards, you can also check local polling information online.
Head to the Electoral Commission website and enter your postcode to learn about the closest polling station.
London ballot papers explained
The ballot papers you receive will vary depending on what vote you’re taking part in.
Londoners will have three separate votes: one for the London Mayor and two for the General Assembly elections.
