In what is being dubbed “Super Thursday” a bumper set of local elections are happening across Britain today. Here is everything you need to know about the polls, how to vote, times, and when to expect results.
Polling stations are now open to elect councillors and Police and Crime Commissioners for local areas in the UK. People have until 10pm tonight to cast their vote. Expect announcement of results over the weekend.
Following the reorganisation of local government, this is the largest local election since 1973. More than 5,000 seats are up for election, for councillors and Police and Crime Commissioners. A by-election is also taking place in Hartlepool after the resignation of former Labour MP, Mike Hill. In addition, some areas will be voting in their local mayoral election. Meanwhile those in Scotland and Wales are electing representatives in their devolved governments.
Elections originally scheduled for 2020 were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. This meant that serving elected officials remained in their posts for an additional 12 months.
Despite key decisions on the pandemic being at a national level, coronavirus is likely the most important issue to voters.
What time are polling stations open?
This year’s local elections taking place Thursday 6 May 2021 open at 7am and close at 10pm.
What local elections are taking place?
More than 5,000 seats are available for election, with 143 English local councils taking part. There are 48 million eligible voters.
Elections are also happening for 39 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).
People are able to vote for 13 directly elected mayors, including an election for the Mayor of London and for the 25 London Assembly seats.
There is also a UK parliamentary by-election for the constituency of Hartlepool. This is seen as a key seat in determining the success of Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Voters in Scotland and Wales will elect representatives to their devolved parliaments. In the Scottish parliament there are 129 MSPs being elected to Holyrood, and 60 MSs to the Senedd in Wales.
The vote in Scotland is vital in determining whether SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be able to secure a majority vote in favour of a second Scottish independence referendum.
Labour are defending 1,621 seats in the election, while the Conservatives defend their 2,052.
How can I vote?
You can vote in a local election if you are aged 18 or over on polling day, and have registered. To be eligible you must also be a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen or an EU resident in the UK. In addition, you must not be exempt from voting for legal reasons, such as prison.
In-person voting will go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic, as it’s impractical organising an all-postal ballot of this scale. However, voters will be socially distanced, and asked to wear face masks and bring their own pen.
Voting by post is also an option for everyone, and those who were shielding are encouraged to do so.
In addition, anyone isolating due to a coronavirus result can submit an emergency proxy vote. They will need to send a form before 5pm today.
When are local elections results?
Anticipate delays due to coronavirus regulations. It is unlikely for any announcements at midnight, as there would usually be.
Expect announcements from 19 council areas on Friday morning, and the result of the by-election in Hartlepool. 74 councils will start counting on Friday morning, with results expected later that day. Others will start at the weekend, with results late on Sunday.
Vote counting for the London Mayoral election will start on Saturday, although a result announcement may not happen until Sunday.
Counting will start on Friday morning in Wales and Scotland, so the earliest results would be known is that afternoon.
Thank you for reading Local Elections 2021: Everything you need to know
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