Millions of voters go to the polls in county areas

Today millions of voters will be going to the polls across 22 county and unitary areas to elect more than 1,500 councillors.

Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm tonight. In total, almost 16m people in county areas are eligible to vote.

Simon Edwards, Chief Executive of the County Councils Network, said:

“Today voters in county areas go to the polls to elect more than 1,500 councillors to county and unitary councils. These councillors will shape the future of those areas and the local services delivered over the next four years, and perhaps beyond, so it is vital that local residents use their vote.

“Much of the build up to today’s election has focused on national politics and what the results will mean for the main political parties, but we must remember these local elections will have a significant impact on the everyday lives of 16m people living in the county areas going to the polls. County and unitary councils not only deliver care for thousands of elderly and young people, but they repair roads, run libraries, maintain streetlights, provide bus services, build homes and much more.  

“We look forward to working with all new and returning councillors who are elected over the weekend and in representing their areas on the national stage to secure more funding and powers for their places. With counting set to begin tomorrow and into the weekend, we’d like to thank all of those returning officers and their teams who make these elections run smoothly.”